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Should you borrow against btc in a bear market?

Crypto Enthusiasts Weigh Options in Another Bear Market | Borrowing Against BTC Sparks Debate

By

Emma Schneider

Feb 5, 2026, 08:07 PM

Edited By

Linda Wang

2 minutes reading time

A person contemplating a loan with Bitcoin symbols and market charts around them, showing a bear market backdrop.

A growing number of people in the cryptocurrency community are discussing the merits of borrowing against Bitcoin (BTC) during this latest bear market. With options like Xapo, Ledn, and HodlHodl gaining attention, the question emerges: should individuals leverage their BTC to invest more at lower prices?

Context of the Discussion

Many have experienced the volatility of the crypto market, leading to skepticism about taking on debt. A forum post showed that users are divided over whether borrowing against Bitcoin is a wise move or a risky gamble.

Key Themes

  1. Skepticism About Borrowing Options

    Many people are cautioning against newer platforms for borrowing, labeling them as "sketchy" and untrustworthy. One participant argued that borrowing from an established bank might be a safer bet, given the risks involved.

  2. Diverse Opinions on Market Conditions

    Enthusiasts expressed varied beliefs regarding Bitcoin's potential for recovery. Some assert itโ€™s at a low point and are considering borrowing to capitalize on future gains, asserting that Bitcoin is "propped up by all its intrinsic value."

  3. Concerns About Liquidation Risks

    Many comments highlighted significant concerns regarding the risks of liquidation. People shared that leveraging BTC for loans introduces complexities that can lead to severe financial consequences if the market does not rebound as expected.

"Leveraging BTC can work out, but it also adds liquidation and timing risks," remarked a community member, encapsulating the uncertainty surrounding this strategy.

Community Sentiment

Responses range from enthusiastic encouragement to strong warnings against potential pitfalls. Some people see taking on debt now as an opportunity, while others emphasize caution and recommend steady accumulation instead of risky loans.

Takeaways:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Yea you should definitely take out high interest debt to buy at these levels" โ€“ A vocal supporter of borrowing.

  • โš ๏ธ Caution expressed over utilizing lesser-known borrowing platforms: "Hodlhodl is not even listed in defillama."

  • ๐Ÿ” "If you really believe itโ€™s the start of a bear market, why would you take a sketchy loan?" โ€“ Advocating for steady investment strategies.

As the discussion unfolds on various forums, it becomes clear that the decision to borrow against Bitcoin will continue to evoke mixed responses among the crypto community, especially as the bear market progresses.

Future Possibilities in the Crypto Landscape

Experts estimate around a 60% chance that borrowing against Bitcoin could gain traction among those who remain bullish, as prices potentially stabilize or even recover. This trend might encourage more people to explore loan options, yet the looming risks of liquidation and volatility will keep many on the sidelines, weighing their choices. As conditions continue to shift, a subset of the community may choose borrowing to increase their holdings, while others may advocate for a cautious approach, seeking to gradually accumulate BTC instead of committing to debts in uncertain times.

A Historical Analogy from the Financial World

In the late 1990s, during the tech bubble, many investors leveraged loans to buy into burgeoning internet stocks under the assumption that the market would only go up. Yet, when the bubble burst, the consequences were severe, leading to widespread financial strain. The situation bears resemblance to the current crypto discussion; just as investors in the past measured risks against potential tech gains, today's crypto enthusiasts are grappling with the same tug-of-war over risk and reward in an ever-volatile landscape. This highlights that, often, perceived opportunities may mask significant underlying risks that could lead to harsh realities.