Aven Financial has launched a bitcoin-backed Visa credit card that lets holders borrow against their BTC without selling it, with credit lines reaching up to $1 million and rates starting at 7.99% APR.
The card was announced at Bitcoin Conference 2026 in Las Vegas and became available the same day.
It carries no annual fee, no origination fee, and offers unlimited 2% cash back on purchases.
For context, the average U.S. credit card rate sits at 21.52%, according to the Federal Reserve.
How the borrowing structure works
Customers pledge bitcoin as collateral through BitGo Inc. and BitGo Bank & Trust, an OCC-regulated digital asset trust bank.
The card itself is issued by Coastal Community Bank, which holds the accounts under FDIC membership — though bitcoin held as collateral is not FDIC insured.
Aven stated:
“In a first for bitcoin lending, the Aven Bitcoin Visa Card also offers fixed-rate, fixed-term plans of up to 10 years for cash-outs and balance transfers on the line of credit. Rates for these plans and the line of credit each start at 7.99% APR.”
Most competing bitcoin-backed lenders, including Ledn, offer terms of up to 12 months at APRs of 10% or higher.
Liquidation risks and collateral thresholds
Bitcoin’s volatility introduces real risk for borrowers.
If a cardholder’s outstanding balance hits 70% of their collateral’s value, the card locks to prevent new purchases.
At 80%, they have 72 hours to add collateral or pay down the balance.
At 85%, Aven immediately liquidates the position, closes the credit line, and charges a 2% liquidation fee before returning any remaining difference.
The credit limit itself depends on how much collateral is pledged — borrowers can access 30% of collateral at 7.99% APR, 50% at 9.99%, or up to 70% at 11.99%.
Company background and advisory board
Aven reports more than $3 billion funded to customers since its founding, over $215 million in cumulative interest savings, and more than $400 million in equity raised.
The company funds its loans through a mix of Goldman Sachs, community banks, and private credit firms.
Its advisory board includes Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and current Fed chair nominee, as well as Patrick McHenry, former chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
