Best crypto loans in Australia
Borrowers in Australia have two broad routes to a crypto-backed loan. The 5 DeFi protocols we track are permissionless software — accessible to anyone in Australia with a self-custodial wallet, no account required. The 5 CeFi lenders are companies whose availability in Australia depends on their licensing and where they choose to operate, so eligibility should always be confirmed on the platform itself.
The table below ranks every platform in our index by borrow rate. We do not gate it by region because DeFi access is global and CeFi terms change frequently; instead, use it to shortlist options, then verify that a given CeFi lender serves Australia before applying.
Every crypto lender we track, ranked by borrow rate. DeFi protocols are globally accessible; confirm CeFi availability for Australia.
| Platform | Borrow APR | Max LTV | KYC | Custody | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NexoCeFi | 1.9–18.9% | 50% | Required | Third-party | Apply |
CompoundDeFi | 2.7–6% | 83% | No KYC | Self-custody | Apply |
AaveDeFi | 4–8% | 80% | No KYC | Self-custody | Apply |
MorphoDeFi | 4–9% | 86% | No KYC | Self-custody | Apply |
MakerDAO (Sky)DeFi | 5–9% | 80% | No KYC | Self-custody | Apply |
YouHodlerCeFi | 5.9–12% | 90% | Required | Third-party | Apply |
LednCeFi | 9.25–11.9% | 50% | Required | Third-party | Apply |
FirefishDeFi | 10.9–15% | 50% | Required | Self-custody | Apply |
CoinRabbitCeFi | 11.95–16.8% | 90% | No KYC | Third-party | Apply |
UnchainedCeFi | 14–16.21% | 50% | Required | Collaborative | Apply |
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Regulation in Australia
Australia regulates crypto through ASIC and AUSTRAC, with registration and anti-money-laundering requirements for exchanges and many lenders. Australian residents can access a range of CeFi lenders that comply with these rules, as well as permissionless DeFi protocols via a self-custodial wallet. Product availability and supported fiat rails vary by platform.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — verify the current position with a qualified professional in Australia.
Tax considerations in Australia
The ATO treats crypto as a CGT asset, so taking a loan against it is generally not a CGT event, but a liquidation usually is. Capital-gains discounts may apply to assets held over twelve months. Our tax guide outlines the general framework; consult an Australian tax professional for specifics.
DeFi or CeFi in Australia?
For most Australia borrowers who already self-custody, a DeFi protocol is the most reliably accessible option — there is no jurisdiction check to pass, and rates start at 1.90% APR. The trade-off is that you manage the wallet, gas, and liquidation risk yourself.
If you want fiat paid to a local bank account, human support, or a fixed-style rate, a CeFi lender is the better fit — provided it serves Australia. Because licensing varies, two Australia residents can find different platforms available to them depending on product and timing, so treat our list as a starting point rather than a guarantee of access.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get a crypto loan in Australia?
- Generally yes. DeFi protocols are accessible to Australia residents with a self-custodial wallet, and a number of CeFi lenders serve the region too — though CeFi availability depends on each platform's licensing, so confirm eligibility before applying.
- Are crypto loans legal in Australia?
- Using a crypto-backed loan is generally permissible for individuals, but Australia applies its own regulatory framework and you remain responsible for compliance and reporting. This is general information, not legal advice — consult a local professional for your situation.
- Do I pay tax on a crypto loan in Australia?
- In most jurisdictions, taking a loan is not itself a taxable event because borrowing is not a sale — but a liquidation can be. The ATO treats crypto as a CGT asset, so taking a loan against it is generally not a CGT event, but a liquidation usually is. See our tax guide and confirm with a local tax professional.
- Which type of platform is best for Australia borrowers?
- It depends on your priorities: DeFi protocols offer the most reliable access and lowest rates but require self-management, while CeFi lenders offer fiat payouts and support where they are licensed to serve Australia.
Related
- Crypto loan tax guideHow crypto loans, repayments and liquidations are generally taxed.
- DeFi vs CeFi loansWhich model fits you — non-custodial protocols or managed lenders.
- Crypto loan calculatorModel your loan, LTV and liquidation price before you borrow.
- Crypto loans in United StatesPlatforms, rates and tax notes for United States.
- Crypto loans in United KingdomPlatforms, rates and tax notes for United Kingdom.
- Crypto loans in CanadaPlatforms, rates and tax notes for Canada.