Major US banks embrace cryptocurrencies: Can Bitcoin and Ethereum become down payments for home purchases?

【Crypto World】There’s an interesting new development—Major US mortgage lender Newrez plans to launch a pilot program in February 2026 that allows eligible borrowers to use crypto assets to support their home loan applications.

Specifically, Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD stablecoins, and spot crypto ETFs are all being considered. These assets can be counted towards your income and reserves, making the threshold much lower—no need to rush to convert into USD. However, there’s a condition: asset valuations will be adjusted according to market fluctuations, meaning that during a sharp drop in crypto prices, the bank will accordingly lower your loan amount.

It’s important to note that all crypto assets must be stored on US-regulated custodial platforms; self-custody wallets and DeFi assets do not count. Additionally, regardless of how assets are calculated, the down payment must still be paid in real money—USD.

This initiative mainly aims to help young first-time homebuyers lower the barriers to entry. From a certain perspective, it also reflects the gradual blurring of boundaries between traditional finance and the crypto space.