Fannie Mae Partners with Coinbase to Enable Bitcoin and USDC Mortgage Down Payments

Key Takeaways A groundbreaking collaboration between Fannie Mae, Coinbase, and Better Home & Finance introduces crypto-collateralized mortgage down payments. Homebuyers can use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral rather than liquidating their cryptocurrency holdings, sidestepping potential capital gains tax liabilities. The financing model involves two separate loans: a traditional Fannie Mae-guaranteed mortgage combined with a cryptocurrency-backed loan. Interest rates for the crypto-collateralized portion may exceed conventional mortgage rates by as much as 1.5 percentage points. This initiative stems from a June 2025 mandate by FHFA Director Bill Pulte directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to integrate cryptocurrency into mortgage lending frameworks. The nation’s largest mortgage financier, Fannie Mae, which oversees a $4.1 trillion portfolio, is introducing a revolutionary mortgage product that accepts cryptocurrency as down payment collateral rather than traditional cash. This innovative program was developed in partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and digital mortgage provider Better Home & Finance. Fannie Mae will soon accept crypto-backed mortgages, according to WSJ. Better and Coinbase are launching a product that lets buyers use bitcoin or USDC as collateral for a separate loan to cover the down payment, instead of selling crypto. pic.twitter.com/IEAawR8xHK — Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) March 26, 2026 The concept behind this offering is straightforward. Instead of liquidating cryptocurrency holdings to generate cash for a down payment, prospective homeowners can pledge their digital currency as security. This approach allows them to maintain their crypto positions while simultaneously securing home financing. The financing arrangement utilizes a dual-loan mechanism. One component is a conventional 15- or 30-year mortgage guaranteed by Fannie Mae. The companion loan is collateralized by the pledged cryptocurrency and provides the necessary down ...