Several crypto platforms like BlockFi, Nexo, Kraken, Coinbase, Changelly and Youhodler specialize in crypto exchange, lending and borrowing, trading, and many other crypto-based transactions. Clients can also earn cryptocurrencies through various projects and services offered there. You can check out Kraken exchange, and Changelly review for more information on how they operate.
What is BlockFi?
BlockFi is a crypto-based platform founded in 2017 in the United States that specializes in lending, borrowing, and crypto-wealth generation and management, low-interest rates crypto-backed loans, and competitive crypto deposit rates. The platform generates revenue from loan systems, interest accounts, and a commission as a lending platform. With over a million clients and assets worth more than $10 billion, the platform is a leader in the crypto industry. BlockFi is also known to offer exclusive benefits to high-net-worth clients.
What is Nexo?
Nexo is a crypto-based lending platform founded in 2017 in London. It specializes in crypto staking, lending, borrowing, exchanging, crypto wealth generation, and management. Nexo is a global crypto platform that operates in 200+ markets with over 4 million members. It is one of the best crypto loan websites for intermediate and advanced crypto investors.
Features
BlockFi is known for its competitive rates of low-interest rates, crypto-backed loans, and crypto deposits. Asides from these, it does not have any spectacular features, but it is an effective platform for crypto trading. It has an automatic trading engine that helps traders too busy to trade and not worry about their absence in the market.
Nexo is known for its bitcoin exchange, crypto-backed loans, crypto trading, and cryptocurrency generation. It is famous for its native token, the Nexo crypto, where you can earn higher interest rates and more rewards. The platform offers clients opportunities to earn daily interest on their cryptocurrencies, plus with its loyalty programs, clients gain more. The loyalty program is designed for intermediate and advanced investors to make more.
Currencies
BlockFi supports cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, BCH, LIINK, and DIA, plus four stablecoins, USDC, USDT, and GUSD (Gemini’s native currency). On the other hand, Nexo supports up to 40+ assets, including stablecoins and cryptos. Examples of coins Nexo support includes BTC, ETH, LTC, EOS, USDC, USDT, etc. For deposits, BlockFi only allows USD fiat, while Nexo supports over 40 different fiat currencies.
Security
BlockFi has affiliations with third-party reserves like Gemini, BitGo, and Coinbase, which are responsible for its security. The platform purchases CFTC-regulated futures and SEC-regulated equities and employs multi-factor authentication. On the other hand, Nexo employs the SOC 2 compliance framework for data protection with the AES-256 bit. Both platforms use cold wallet storage, SSL encryption, and IP whitelisting to enhance security further.
Fees
Both platforms charge a spread, the difference between a cryptocurrency’s asking price and bid. There are also withdrawal fees, which vary as BlockFi charges set fees depending on the cryptocurrency. In contrast, Nexo charges network fees for the transaction.
Fees | BlockFi | Nexo |
Crypto loans | 2% Origination Fee, 4.5% – 9.75% APR | 6.9% – 13.9% APR (depends on Nexo asset) |
Buy crypto | Approximately 1% spread fee, additional 1.49% – 3.49% for debit/credit cards | Approximately 2% spread fee |
Deposit fees | None | None |
Withdrawal Fees | Varies on coin | Blockchain network fee only |
Interest Rates
Since both platforms offer crypto-backed loans, they have varying loan terms and assets
Loan Terms | BlockFi | Nexo |
Loan currency | USD, GUSD, USDC, PAX | USDT, USDC, 40+ fiat currencies |
Origination Fee | Yes | No |
Minimum amount | USD $10,000 | $50 (stablecoin), $500 (fiat) |
Interest rate | Based on the crypto asset, and duration: ● 3% for 30-day loans ● 5% for 60-day loans, and ● 9% for loan terms longer than 120 days | ● 13.9% (baseline), ● 12.9% (silver), ● 8.9% (gold), 6.9% (platinum) |
Payment frequency | Monthly | Flexible |
Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) | 20%, 35%, 50% | Varies |
BlockFi and Nexo platforms allow users to earn cryptocurrencies via savings accounts with high-interest rates. The interest rates vary on the cryptocurrency for BlockFi, while Nexo has a fixed 6% rate on all cryptocurrencies. For stablecoins, the rates vary for both BlockFi and Nexo. BlockFi accepts deposits of USD fiat currency; however, it converts into a cryptocurrency, as the platform does not trade with any fiat currency.
Unlike other platforms, Nexo allows its customers to earn interest on fiat. Clients can make up to 10% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on USD, EUR, and GBP. If a client decides to receive the earnings in Nexo crypto, the native tokens of the platform, they can earn up to 12% APY. However, such an option is not available for customers in the US. Also, due to regulations, interest accounts for both BlockFi and Nexo are not available for customers in the US. The interest rates on both platforms are as follows:
Cryptocurrency | BlockFi Interest Rat | Nexo Interest Rate |
Bitcoin | 0.1%, 1%, 4.5% | 6% |
Ethereum | 0.25%, 1.5%, 5% | 6% |
Solana | 5% | 6% |
Cardano | 5.5% | 6% |
Polkadot | 9.5% | 13% |
Avalanche | 10% | 10% |
Tether | 5.5%, 7%, 8% | 10% |
USD Coin | 5.5%, 7%, 8% | 10% |
Ease of Use
BlockFi and Nexo are easy to use and beginner-friendly while accessible via Android/iOS apps and the web app. BlockFi and Nexo websites have an interface that anyone can easily navigate through. BlockFi gives users a simpler experience for loan applications and crypto trading. On the other hand, Nexo has flexible features and options, especially the exchange option.
Mobile App
Both platforms have mobile apps that are convenient to use on all supported crypto-related apps devices like android, iOS, macOS, etc.
Access
Both platforms have seamless, uncomplicated access for registered clients who have undergone a KYC verification. People who are unregistered and verified cannot visit the websites.
Wallets
BlockFi and Nexo offer wallets to clients interested in generating wealth via crypto transactions for holding crypto assets. BlockFi and Nexo wallets are available for crypto holders, exchanges and traders.
Insurance Coverage
These platforms partner with private insurance firms to ensure their services and protect their clients’ funds. BlockFi partners with Gemini Trust to guarantee its services and secure its customers’ funds. It is a private firm that ensures over $30 billion worth of crypto. Based in New York, it is regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The company has an ISO 27001 certification and has completed SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 exams. Gemini only provides insurance for hot wallets and holds BlockFi assets in offline cold storage. However, it doesn’t insure them once they’re deployed. BlockFi has recently had some customer information breaches but no record of stolen funds. On the other hand, Nexo partners with BitGo, Ledger, and Fireblocks for their services,’ insurance, and securing their clients’ funds. The platform has up to $375 million and 3% of its total assets insured.
BlockFi Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quick trade execution.
- Credit card system for rewards.
- No monthly fee or commission.
- Considerable minimum deposit requirements.
- It is available worldwide except in some sanctioned countries.
- Top-notch services for institutions.
- It offers impressive customer service.
Cons
- Lengthy withdrawal processing time.
- Free withdrawals are limited from interest accounts.
- It has no loyalty programs.
- It supports fewer cryptocurrencies.
Nexo Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has higher interest rates.
- There is no loan origination fee.
- It supports more cryptocurrencies.
- It offers loyalty programs that allow customers to get better borrowing rates and earn more rewards.
- It has a straightforward withdrawal process.
- It offers impressive customer service.
- It is available worldwide except in a few countries.
Cons
- Nexo crypto is not available in the US.
- Its rewards card is not as buoyant as BlockFi’s.
Conclusion
This guide looked into the comparison of crypto loan platforms BlockFi and Nexo. We examined their features, currencies, security, fees, interest rates, insurance coverage, and pros and cons. You can determine which is better from this guide and choose the best crypto lending platform.