Coinbase and Better Mortgage Launch Bitcoin-Backed Home Loans Nationwide
Coinbase and Better Mortgage Now Offer Bitcoin-Backed Mortgages
Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, and Better Mortgage, a home loan provider, have made Bitcoin-backed mortgages available to homebuyers across the United States. This means people can now use their Bitcoin holdings as collateral to secure a mortgage without selling their Bitcoin.
The service follows guidelines set by Fannie Mae, a government-backed organization that helps make home loans more accessible. The companies first tested this idea in June when a Michigan couple used their Bitcoin to fund a down payment on a home.
How the Program Works
- Homebuyers can pledge Bitcoin as collateral for a mortgage instead of selling it.
- Coinbase One members (a paid subscription service) get a rebate of up to 1% of the mortgage value, with a maximum of $10,000.
- The program is designed to help younger buyers who may have wealth stored in Bitcoin but not enough cash for a traditional down payment.
What the Companies Say
Ziggy Jonsson, Chief Technology Officer at Better Mortgage, explained that high interest rates and home prices have made it harder for first-time buyers. He noted that the median age of a first-time homebuyer rose to 40 in 2025. By allowing Bitcoin as collateral, the companies hope to open homeownership to more people whose wealth is stored in digital assets.
Ben Shen, head of financial services at Coinbase, added that this program lets people use their crypto holdings in real-world ways while keeping their long-term investments intact.
What Is Confirmed
- The program is now available nationwide in the U.S.
- It follows Fannie Mae guidelines.
- The first Bitcoin-backed mortgage was completed in June 2026.
- Coinbase One members qualify for a rebate of up to $10,000.
What Is Still Unclear
- The exact requirements for how much Bitcoin is needed as collateral.
- Whether other cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin will be accepted in the future.
- How the program handles changes in Bitcoin’s value during the mortgage process.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
For people who own Bitcoin but struggle to save enough cash for a down payment, this program offers a new way to buy a home without selling their digital assets. It could make homeownership more accessible to younger buyers who have wealth in crypto but not in traditional savings.
