Can Your Crypto Help You Qualify for a Mortgage? What You Should Know

Digital assets aren’t just investment vehicles anymore—now, holders of crypto can use these digital assets to help them secure a mortgage.

Click to navigate:

1. Why Crypto is Entering the Mortgage World
2. How This Impacts Crypto-Holding Borrowers
3. Which Loan Programs Recognize Crypto?
4. Product Enhancements with Crypto
5. Do You Still Need Dollars at Closing?
6. The Future of Crypto in Mortgage Lending

As crypto ownership grows, we want to adapt to borrowers’ modern investment portfolios. Now, people who have built wealth in Bitcoin^®, Ethereum^® or other eligible digital assets have a new path to homeownership.

Below is a rundown of our new crypto product enhancement and which products allow it.

Why Crypto Is Entering the Mortgage World

Over the last decade, cryptocurrency has moved from niche to a mainstream financial asset. Millions of Americans now hold some form of digital currency, and many treat it as a long‑term investment—similar to stocks or ETFs.¹

As crypto becomes a more common investment, we’re adapting our loans to fit today’s borrower needs.

How This Impacts Crypto‑Holding Borrowers

Traditionally, borrowers could use assets like brokerage accounts, retirement funds or cash reserves to strengthen their mortgage application. Crypto, however, was often excluded unless converted to U.S. dollars first.

We aim to change that. Some of our loans now allow crypto to be counted toward qualifying assets or income calculations, sometimes without requiring borrowers to sell their digital assets to demonstrate liquidity.

Which Loan Programs Recognize Crypto?

Our Smart Series loans are designed for less-conventional borrowers who want to use different income streams such as crypto to qualify for a mortgage, outside of a W-2.

SmartSelf

Built for self‑employed borrowers who qualify using:

• Bank statements
• 1099s
• Profit‑and‑loss statements

SmartEdge

Ideal for borrowers who qualify based on assets rather than income. This is often a fit for:

• Retirees
• High‑net‑worth individuals
• Borrowers with significant investments but irregular cash flow

SmartVest

Designed for real estate investors who qualify using rental property cash flow.
Crypto holdings may support reserve requirements or strengthen the overall profile.

Product Enhancements with Crypto

Crypto can support your journey to homeownership in several ways:

• Use crypto to calculate income: SmartEdge and SmartSelf allow you to use eligible cryptocurrency when calculating income to qualify for a mortgage. Liquidation is not required.
• Crypto for the verification of funds for down payment and closing costs: With SmartEdge, SmartSelf, and SmartVest, a portion of eligible cryptocurrency can be used to verify assets for your down payment and/or closing costs. However, if you decide to actually use those crypto funds at closing, they will need to be liquidated beforehand, since all transactions are completed in U.S. dollars.
• Crypto for verification of reserves: SmartEdge, SmartSelf and SmartVest allow you to use eligible cryptocurrency for verification of reserves. You may not be required to show proof of liquidation.

What Types of Crypto Are Eligible?

While not all digital assets qualify, we recognize widely held, regulated, or institutionally supported crypto products.

Eligible assets may include:

• Bitcoin^® (BTC)
• Ethereum^® (ETH)
• SEC-approved spot ETFs backed by BTC or ETH
• USD‑backed stablecoins

To qualify, these assets typically must be held within:

• U.S.‑regulated crypto exchanges
• SEC‑ or FINRA‑regulated brokerages
• Nationally chartered banks under OCC oversight
• Retail fintech apps that meet regulatory standards

This ensures transparency, verifiable ownership and reliable valuation.

Do You Still Need Dollars at Closing?

Yes. Even when crypto is used during qualification, funds for closing must be delivered in U.S. dollars. Borrowers can choose whether to liquidate crypto or use other sources for the final payment.

This approach gives borrowers flexibility while ensuring compliance with federal lending and settlement requirements.

The Future of Crypto in Mortgage Lending

As financial technology evolves, mortgages are evolving with it. Recognizing crypto as part of a borrower’s financial picture is a major step toward more inclusive, modern lending practices.

If you’re curious how your digital assets might support your homebuying goals, a mortgage expert can walk you through loan options and help determine the best choice for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.