Rate launches crypto-backed mortgage program nationwide
US lender Rate has introduced a mortgage program that takes cryptocurrency assets into account when purchasing a home. The product, RateFi, is available nationwide and allows verified digital assets to be considered as qualifying reserves and, in some cases, as a source of income.
The launch comes as more than 10% of Americans report owning digital assets, according to Rate. However, most traditional mortgage programs do not recognize cryptocurrency as eligible collateral unless it is first liquidated. Many holders are reluctant to sell their assets due to potential tax consequences.
Kate Amor, executive vice president and head of enterprise products at Rate, told Cointelegraph that for underwriting purposes, RateFi evaluates digital assets using its proprietary valuation system, which takes into account market price, liquidity, and asset volatility. This approach allows certain crypto assets to be considered when assessing borrower eligibility without requiring liquidation, while maintaining traditional mortgage risk standards.
Eligible crypto assets must be held with approved custodians or centralized exchanges. Borrowers are required to provide proof of ownership and holding period, typically through monthly statements.
Any digital assets used for a down payment or closing costs must still be converted into cash.
The housing market cannot ignore crypto
Housing affordability remains a major economic challenge in the United States, particularly for younger Americans, and has recently drawn increasing attention from the Trump administration and lawmakers.
In June 2025, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William J. Pulte instructed government-sponsored mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare proposals on recognizing cryptocurrency as a reserve asset in single-family mortgage risk assessments.
In July, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the “21st Century Mortgage” bill to codify this directive into law.
A niche market for crypto-backed real estate financing already exists. Lenders such as Nexo offer loans secured by more than 40 digital assets, while Ledn provides bitcoin-backed mortgage products that allow borrowers to pledge bitcoin as collateral.
As we wrote, Nexo lending data signals controlled crypto deleveraging
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