Scoring methodology
We built crypto.loans to compare crypto-backed loans on the things that actually matter — not on who pays the biggest commission. Every platform we cover is scored against the same five criteria, and we verify each data point against the provider's official source before publishing.
The five scoring criteria
| Criterion | Weight | What we measure |
|---|---|---|
| Rates | 25% | Borrow APR ranges and how competitive they are for typical loan sizes and LTVs, measured against the rest of the market. We note whether rates are fixed, variable, or tiered, and whether the lowest advertised rate is conditional. |
| Security | 25% | Custody model, audit history, proof-of-reserves, rehypothecation policy, and track record through past market stress. Self-custody, verifiable reserves, and no-rehypothecation guarantees score highest. |
| Features | 20% | Supported collateral and borrow assets, LTV options, loan terms, minimums and maximums, fiat access, and platform-specific tools like cards, earn products, or e-mode. |
| Support | 15% | Onboarding friction, KYC requirements, funding speed, customer support availability, and how easy it is to manage a position day to day. |
| Transparency | 15% | How clearly terms, rates, liquidation thresholds, and risks are disclosed, whether claims can be independently verified, and the platform's regulatory standing. |
How we verify data
A score is only as good as the data behind it. We source and check our figures three ways:
- On-chain data. For DeFi protocols, borrow and supply rates are read directly from the blockchain, reflecting live, utilization-based pricing.
- Official documentation. For CeFi lenders, we verify rates, LTVs, fees, custody policies, and proof-of-reserves against each company's official site and disclosures, and we stamp every figure with a verification date.
- Hands-on testing. Where practical, we test the borrowing flow ourselves to confirm the experience, funding speed, and any friction matches what is advertised.
How often we update reviews
DeFi rates update continuously from on-chain sources. CeFi rates and platform details are re-verified on a regular cycle and whenever something material changes — a rate move, a new audit or proof-of-reserves report, a custody-policy change, or a regulatory development. Every review and rate carries a "verified" date so you always know how current the information is.
Affiliate disclosure
Some outbound links on this site are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you sign up through them. This is how we fund our research. It does not influence our scores, rankings, or which platforms we cover. We score on data, and platforms we have no affiliate relationship with are ranked on exactly the same basis as those we do — sometimes above them.
Suggesting a correction
Found a figure that looks out of date or wrong? We want to fix it. Email hello@crypto.loans with the platform, the data point, and a source, and we will review and update it if confirmed. Accuracy is the entire value of this site, so corrections are always welcome.