How to Borrow Against Bitcoin and Ethereum at Low or 0% Interest

Bitcoin and Ethereum holders often face the same dilemma: they need liquidity but don’t want to sell their assets. Borrowing against crypto solves that problem — but interest costs and liquidation risk can quickly erase the benefit.

Low or even 0% interest borrowing is possible. The key is understanding loan structure, loan-to-value (LTV), and how interest is applied.

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Fixed Loans and Credit Lines

Most traditional crypto-backed loans follow a fixed structure. You lock BTC or ETH as collateral, receive a lump sum, and interest begins accruing immediately on the full borrowed amount.

This works, but it is rarely efficient. If you borrow more than you need, you still pay interest on the entire balance.

A credit line works differently. Instead of issuing a fixed loan, the platform assigns a borrowing limit. You withdraw only what you need. Interest applies only to the amount used. This structure is what makes low or 0% borrowing realistic.

Step 2: Keep LTV Low

Loan-to-value (LTV) determines both cost and risk. LTV measures the ratio between your borrowed funds and the value of your collateral. Lower LTV means:

• Lower liquidation risk

• Lower borrowing cost

• Greater buffer against volatility

Most platforms that advertise low rates require conservative LTV levels, often below 20–30%. The lower your LTV, the more flexibility you have. If BTC or ETH prices fall, your LTV rises automatically. Monitoring it is critical. Clapp does part of the job for you: it keeps an eye on your LTV and sends notifications once it approaches the critical level. 

Step 3: Use a Usage-Based Interest Model

Low or 0% interest becomes possible when interest is tied directly to usage rather than approval size.

Clapp follows this approach. It offers a crypto-backed revolving credit line where:

• You deposit BTC or ETH as collateral

• You receive a borrowing limit

• Unused credit carries 0% APR

• Interest applies only to borrowed funds

• Costs depend on LTV

If you do not borrow, you do not pay. If you borrow partially, you pay only on that portion.

This removes the common inefficiency of paying for capital you never used.

Example: Borrowing Conservatively

Assume you deposit $50,000 worth of BTC.

You receive a credit limit and borrow $7,500.

Your LTV is 15%.

Interest applies only to the $7,500. The remaining available credit stays unused and carries 0% APR. If you repay the $7,500, interest stops immediately.

This approach allows liquidity without committing to a full loan.

Step 4: Manage Risk Actively

Borrowing against volatile assets requires discipline.

Clapp integrates real-time LTV tracking and margin notifications, which alert users when collateral levels approach risk thresholds. This gives borrowers time to reduce exposure or add collateral before liquidation becomes a concern.

Low interest is sustainable only when risk is managed proactively.

When 0% Interest Is Realistic

At Clapp, true 0% crypto borrowing applies to:

• Unused credit

• Very low LTV borrowing

• Short-term liquidity needs

It does not apply to high-leverage positions. Attempting to maximize borrowing capacity usually increases both interest cost and liquidation exposure. Low-cost borrowing favors restraint.

Who This Strategy Is Best For

Borrowing at low or near-0% interest makes sense for:

• Long-term BTC or ETH holders

• Investors who need occasional liquidity

• Users who prefer conservative risk management

• Those who monitor collateral actively

It is not suited for aggressive trading or maximum leverage strategies.

Final Thoughts

Borrowing against Bitcoin and Ethereum at low or 0% interest is possible, but it depends on structure and discipline.

Using a credit-line model, keeping LTV conservative, and choosing transparent platforms that provide risk controls are what make the difference.

When interest is tied directly to usage and LTV — rather than promotional rates — crypto-backed borrowing becomes a controlled liquidity tool instead of a costly obligation.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.