In a move that could significantly impact mortgage qualification standards, U.S. lenders are exploring new guidelines that would allow cryptocurrency assets—such as Bitcoin and Ethereum—to count toward a borrower’s qualifying assets when applying for a mortgage. While this development is still evolving, it signals a broader shift toward accepting digital assets as part of the modern financial ecosystem.
For potential homebuyers with substantial cryptocurrency holdings, this change could expand borrowing power, increase purchasing options, or simply make qualifying for a mortgage more accessible. However, it’s important to note that mortgage payments themselves will still need to be made in U.S. dollars, and not in crypto.
Understanding the Shift
Traditionally, mortgage qualification focuses on documented income, credit history, and liquid assets held in bank or brokerage accounts. These assets demonstrate a borrower’s ability to cover down payments, closing costs, and reserve requirements. Until recently, cryptocurrency has been largely excluded from this process due to concerns over volatility, lack of regulation, and challenges in verifying ownership.
That position appears to be softening.
According to recent updates shared by Churchill Mortgage in their June 2025 Monthly Housing Market Update, the industry is beginning to view cryptocurrency through a more pragmatic lens. As digital assets become more widely held—and more securely stored—some lenders are recognizing their potential role in evaluating a borrower’s financial stability.
What This Means for Borrowers
If crypto assets are allowed to count toward mortgage qualification, this could be a game-changer for a segment of the population that has invested heavily in digital currencies but lacks traditional savings or investment portfolios.
For example:
a) A buyer with $100,000 in Bitcoin stored in a secure, verifiable wallet may be able to use that balance to meet asset reserve requirements or bolster their financial profile.
b) First-time buyers with limited cash but significant crypto gains might now qualify for loans they previously couldn’t access.
This could help bridge the gap for tech-forward buyers who are asset-rich in digital terms but underserved by conventional financial benchmarks.
Key Considerations and Limitations
While this potential policy update is promising, it comes with several important caveats:
a) Payments Still Require U.S. Dollars: Mortgage payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, will still need to be paid in U.S. dollars. Lenders are not prepared to accept Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency for monthly payments at this time.
b) Documentation and Verification: Any crypto holdings used to qualify will likely need to be stored in a regulated exchange or secured digital wallet. Borrowers will need to provide documentation proving ownership, the current market value, and a consistent history of the holdings.
c) Volatility and Valuation Risk: Due to the fluctuating value of cryptocurrencies, lenders may apply discounts to the reported asset value or require that the assets be converted to U.S. dollars before closing. This is to protect both the lender and the borrower from sudden changes in asset value that could impact loan eligibility.
d) Not Yet Industry-Wide: While some lenders are beginning to explore this approach, it is not yet an industry-wide standard. Borrowers interested in using crypto assets should speak with their lender to determine if this option is available and what requirements they’ll need to meet.
The Broader Implications
The inclusion of cryptocurrency in mortgage underwriting reflects a broader transformation in how financial institutions are adapting to the digital economy. It also underscores the need for modern, flexible lending standards that better align with the way people build and manage wealth today.
As this approach gains traction, it may also encourage more transparency and standardization in how crypto assets are tracked, reported, and regulated within the mortgage process. This could ultimately benefit both lenders and borrowers by creating a more inclusive and forward-looking financial system.
Final Thoughts
The possibility of using cryptocurrency to qualify for a mortgage represents a significant—and potentially positive—shift in the world of home financing. While not without its complexities, this development acknowledges the growing role digital assets play in personal finance and offers a new avenue for buyers to achieve homeownership.
Borrowers interested in leveraging crypto in their mortgage application should stay informed, maintain clear records, and speak with their lender about evolving guidelines. As with any financial strategy, preparation and due diligence are key.
