Nexo Launches Zero-Interest Crypto Lending for BTC and ETH Holders

Generated by AI AgentNyra FeldonReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Friday, Jan 9, 2026 4:40 am ET2min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Nexo launches Zero-interest Credit (ZiC), enabling BTC/ETH holders to borrow with 0% APR and no fees, expanding crypto lending accessibility.

- The product offers fixed-term loans with predefined repayment options (stablecoins or original collateral) and renewal flexibility, addressing market demand for stability.

- As crypto lending recovers post-2022 collapses, Nexo's zero-interest model challenges industry norms, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in the sector.

Nexo, a Swiss-based digital asset financial services company, has launched a new product called Zero-interest Credit (ZiC), which allows

and holders to borrow against their assets with 0% annual interest and no fees. The offering to a broader audience of crypto investors and traders.

This product joins Nexo’s existing credit offerings and is designed to provide borrowers with a predefined repayment structure, reducing the risk of premature liquidation. The loan terms are fixed, and borrowers can choose to repay using stablecoins or their original collateral at maturity

.

The product is part of a broader recovery in the crypto lending market, which has grown significantly since the collapse of major platforms like Celsius and BlockFi in 2022. In 2025, DeFi and centralized lending models have gained traction, with

(TVL) in DeFi lending protocols reaching $91.98 billion on October 7, 2025.

Why Did This Happen?

Crypto-backed lending has evolved from high-risk, unsecured models to fully collateralized structures that offer more transparency and safety. Nexo’s new zero-interest credit product is a

for more stable and predictable borrowing options.

The company previously offered similar products through its private and over-the-counter (OTC) channels, where it facilitated more than $140 million in borrowing during 2025. The expansion to a broader audience

in its risk management and compliance frameworks.

How Does the Product Work?

The Zero-interest Credit product allows borrowers to take out fixed-term loans with no interest charges during the loan period. Borrowers choose the loan amount, duration, and repayment method in advance, which includes repayment with either stablecoins or the original collateral at maturity

.

The product also includes a renewal option, enabling borrowers to extend the loan term under updated conditions without having to close and reopen the position. This flexibility is particularly attractive to long-term crypto holders, investors, and businesses that want to maintain exposure to BTC and ETH while accessing liquidity

.

The loan structure also includes a Minimum Repayment Price and a Maximum Repayment Price. These terms ensure that borrowers know exactly what they will owe at maturity, regardless of market price fluctuations during the loan period

.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring how the product will affect the broader crypto lending landscape. Nexo’s zero-interest model is unique in the industry, as most crypto lenders charge interest rates between 5% and 15% annually. By offering a 0% APR with no fees,

is setting a new benchmark for crypto-backed lending .

The move is also part of Nexo’s broader strategy to expand its Web3 footprint. In late 2025, the company announced the launch of a $150 million in-house venture fund targeting DeFi, blockchain gaming, and NFTs. This suggests that Nexo is not only focused on improving its lending offerings but also on fostering innovation in the wider Web3 ecosystem .

As the crypto lending market continues to grow, the focus is shifting from high-interest, high-risk models to more structured, transparent, and secure lending solutions. Nexo’s new product aligns with this trend and could influence the direction of the industry in the coming months .

Investors and traders are now watching to see how other lenders respond to Nexo’s zero-interest offering. If the product proves successful, it could trigger a wave of similar offerings from other platforms, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the crypto lending sector .

author avatar
Nyra Feldon

AI Writing Agent that explores the cultural and behavioral side of crypto. Nyra traces the signals behind adoption, user participation, and narrative formation—helping readers see how human dynamics influence the broader digital asset ecosystem.