Fannie Mae Purchased First Crypto-Backed Mortgage

Homebuyers can now use cryptocurrency as collateral to fund down payments through new mortgage programs.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Residential

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized house-shaped key made of digital hexagonal nodes against a clean negative space background. — Fannie Mae has begun purchasing mortgages backed by cryptocurrency assets, providing a new path to homeownership for digital asset holders in the United States. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you use cryptocurrency assets to secure a mortgage down payment?

Fannie Mae has purchased its first conventional mortgage backed by cryptocurrency assets. This program aims to assist homebuyers who lack traditional cash savings but hold significant crypto wealth.

Why it matters

The initiative follows a directive from the Federal Housing Finance Agency to integrate cryptocurrency into the mortgage market, aligning with federal goals to expand the use of digital assets. It provides a new path to homeownership for the 9% of U.S. adults who hold cryptocurrency.

Nonqualified crypto-backed loans typically require a 250% collateral ratio, meaning a $40,000 down payment requires $100,000 in holdings. These loans often carry an interest rate premium of 0.5% over standard conventional loans.

The players

Fannie Mae

A government-sponsored enterprise that supports the housing market by purchasing mortgages from lenders.

Federal Housing Finance Agency

The federal regulator that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and sets housing finance policy.

Better

A digital mortgage lender that partners with financial platforms to offer new loan products.

Coinbase

A cryptocurrency exchange platform that provides custodial services for digital assets used as collateral.

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States whose administration has set a vision to make the U.S. a global crypto capital.

The details

Borrowers pledge cryptocurrency as collateral to secure a down payment loan paired with a conventional mortgage. Better maintains custodial accounts for the assets held on the Coinbase platform. While nonqualified loans often mandate a 30% to 40% down payment, borrowers must provide updated account statements every six to 12 months to verify their remaining crypto positions.

June 2025: The FHFA director instructed Fannie Mae to consider crypto as an asset.
April 2026: Seven U.S. senators sent a letter expressing concerns about the policy.
June 2026: A Gallup survey measured U.S. adult cryptocurrency ownership.
October 2026: Fannie Mae purchased the first crypto-backed conventional mortgage.

Money Landscape

This move represents a departure from traditional mortgage underwriting standards that rely exclusively on liquid cash and verifiable income. It follows a federal directive to incorporate digital assets into the housing finance system, positioning crypto as a formal component of home equity.

If you hold significant cryptocurrency, this program may offer a new pathway to fund a down payment without selling your assets. Discuss the risks of pledging digital collateral with a qualified financial professional, as these loans often carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages.

The takeaway

Crypto-backed mortgages are now a reality, enabling some homebuyers to leverage digital assets for down payments. Before considering this route, evaluate the 0.5% interest rate premium and the 250% collateral requirements against your long-term financial security.