Crypto lending platforms enable users to earn interest on their crypto or borrow funds without selling their assets. These platforms operate on a straightforward premise: lenders deposit crypto to earn interest, while borrowers secure loans by using their digital assets as collateral. With the rise of multichain lending platforms, users now have the flexibility to lend and borrow across multiple blockchain networks, greatly expanding their options. This article explores four of the top multichain lending platforms in 2025.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ Multichain lending platforms enable lending and borrowing crypto across multiple blockchain networks.
➤ These platforms offer benefits such as increased liquidity, a wider range of asset options, and efficient financial management through cross-chain functionality.
➤ Things to consider when choosing a multichain lending platform include security audits, supported blockchains, asset diversity, and user reviews.
Top multichain lending platforms
Venus Protocol is an omnichain decentralized lending platform launched in 2020. It allows users to deposit cryptocurrencies as collateral to borrow other assets and earn interest on their deposits. The platform operates on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, ZKSync, Optimism, and opBNB.
The Venus DAO handles the protocol’s governance, and the XVS token enables decentralized decision-making and incentivizes participation.
Venus also supports a wide range of assets to cater to the diverse needs of DeFi users. These include major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XPR), and Binance Coin (BNB).
Additionally, Venus integrates liquid staking tokens (LSTs) like Lido’s wstETH, liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) like Ether.fi’s eBTC, and leading stablecoins like USDT and USDC. The platform even supports assets like Ethena sUSDe, enabling synthetic dollar yield-bearing strategies. This diverse support enriches the ecosystem, allowing users to implement advanced financial strategies.
Venus Protocol is a secure, audited omnichain platform. Unlike multichain platforms, which operate independently on each network, omnichain systems enable seamless interactions across chains, improving liquidity and user efficiency.
Venus also sets itself apart with features like Isolated Pools, which allow for independent risk management and prevent failures in one market from affecting the broader protocol. The Resilient Price Oracle ensures accurate pricing by pulling data from multiple sources, safeguarding against manipulation and single points of failure.
Another standout feature is Venus Prime, a program that rewards XVS stakers with additional incentives derived from protocol revenue. This promotes long-term engagement and sustainable growth while enhancing user participation across its ecosystem. Combined with its decentralized governance through the Venus DAO, Venus offers a balance of accessibility, security, and flexibility.
- Efficient cross-chain asset interaction enhances liquidity and user experience.
- Robust security through extensive audits ensures asset safety.
- Support for diverse asset categories, including LSTs, LRTs, and stablecoins.
- Venus Prime incentivizes long-term engagement and governance participation.
- No mobile apps.
Aave is a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol operating on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum, among others.
The platform is governed by the AAVE token, which enables decentralized decision-making and offers governance rewards.
Aave pioneered features like flash loans and collateral swaps, which add to the flexibility for users while maintaining security through over-collateralized loans and audited smart contracts.
With a total value locked (TVL) of over $21 billion, (as of January 2025) Aave commands strong liquidity and trustworthiness.
Aave provides a competitive APY (~4.27% depending on market conditions and the asset) and broad multichain accessibility.
- Competitive APY rates.
- High TVL ensures strong liquidity.
- Supports a flexible liquidity pool model.
- Flash loans enable arbitrage opportunities and refinancing without collateral.
- Funds are not insured.
3. Unitus Finance
dForce Lending, now rebranded as Unitus Finance, is a decentralized, multichain money market platform operating across more than seven blockchain networks.
Unitus Finance enables lending and borrowing across multiple cryptocurrencies, with native support for dForce’s USX stablecoin and real-world assets (RWA).
Its unique liquidity pool model enhances flexibility and encourages broader participation in crypto lending.
We chose Unitus Finance for its ability to offer advanced DeFi tools and unique asset options.
The integration of the USX stablecoin and RWAs expands its utility beyond traditional crypto lending. Its multichain setup ensures accessibility across major networks and serves a broader audience.
Additionally, the innovative tokenomics and liquidity mechanisms align with user needs for security, flexibility, and long-term engagement.
- Operates on over seven blockchain networks for broader accessibility.
- Offers high capital efficiency with LTV ratios up to 99%.
- Supports cross-chain lending through native USX stablecoin liquidity.
- Provides isolated markets for long-tail assets with flexible risk controls.
- Some advanced features may challenge DeFi newcomers.
4. ZeroLend
ZeroLend (ZERO) is a multichain lending and borrowing protocol specializing in Real World Assets (RWAs) and Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs). It operates across Ethereum and several layer-2 networks, including zkSync, Linea, and Manta Network.
The platform was founded in 2023 and allows users to lend, borrow, and deposit a wide variety of assets, such as stablecoins, high-cap cryptocurrencies, and high-risk tokens. The protocol also features account abstraction (AA) to simplify DeFi access and improve the user experience.
We chose ZeroLend for its innovative approach to DeFi lending, particularly its integration of RWAs and LRTs, which unlock new opportunities for users.
Its multichain framework ensures accessibility across popular blockchains and serves a wider user base. The platform’s focus on high capital efficiency, with a decent loan-to-value ratio, and its user-friendly account abstraction features, align well with our priorities for usability.
- MulOperates across multiple chains, including Ethereum and key layer-2 networks.
- Provides unique support for RWAs and LRTs, expanding DeFi possibilities.
- Features account abstraction for simplified and gasless transactions.
- Backed by reputable institutional investors like Consensys and Polygon Ventures.
- Relatively new platform (founded in 2023) with evolving features.
- Focus on RWAs and LRTs may limit appeal to traditional DeFi users.
Top multichain lending platforms compared
| Feature | Venus Protocol | Aave | Unitus Finance | ZeroLend |
| Blockchain support | Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, ZKSync | Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, and more | Ethereum, zkSync, Optimism, Arbitrum, Polygon | Ethereum, zkSync, Linea, Manta Network, X Layer |
| Specialized assets | Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) | General crypto assets | RWAs, Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSDs) | RWAs, LRTs (Liquid Restaking Tokens) |
| Governance token | $XVS | $AAVE | $UTS | $ZERO |
| Notable features | Venus Prime rewards, security audits | Flash loans, collateral swaps | Isolated lending for long-tail assets | Account abstraction, specialized lending for LRTs |
| Launched in | 2020 | 2017 | 2021 (as dForce) | 2023 |
| Target audience | DeFi users seeking omnichain lending | General DeFi users, advanced traders | DeFi users with interest in RWAs and diverse collateral | DeFi users exploring RWAs and staking derivatives |
What is crypto lending?
Crypto lending enables individuals to lend their cryptocurrency assets to earn interest or borrow funds by using their crypto holdings as collateral.
Unlike traditional financial systems, crypto lending platforms operate without credit checks or lengthy approval processes.
Borrowers lock collateral to secure loans, while lenders earn interest from the funds they provide. This system appeals to those seeking liquidity or passive income, but risks like market volatility and liquidation of collateral require careful consideration.
What is a multichain lending platform?
A multichain lending platform is a decentralized financial service that operates across multiple blockchain networks.
These platforms allow users to lend or borrow cryptocurrencies on different chains, such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Polygon. By integrating with several blockchains, multichain platforms increase accessibility, liquidity, and asset options for users.
They address the challenge of isolated blockchain ecosystems, enabling more efficient capital movement and expanding DeFi opportunities.
How to choose a platform
Try focusing on the following key factors when selecting a multichain lending platform:
- Supported blockchains: Check if the platform supports the blockchains you use and offers smooth interoperability between them.
- Asset diversity: Look for platforms that support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, high-cap assets, and liquid staking tokens.
- Security and audits: Ensure the platform has undergone thorough audits and employs solid security measures for protecting your funds.
- Interest rates and fees: Compare rates for both lenders and borrowers, as well as fees associated with transactions.
- Reputation and community: Choose platforms with strong community support, reputable governance, and backing from credible investors or institutions.
Reliability and security matter
To sum it up, multichain lending platforms add value to traditional DeFi systems by enabling users to interact with assets across multiple blockchains. This approach increases liquidity and asset diversity while offering more efficient financial options.
Despite these advantages, platforms vary in reliability and security. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you carry out thorough research before choosing to go with any particular platform. Evaluate features like audits, user reviews, and supported networks before committing any assets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Lending and borrowing crypto is a high risk activity. Always do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Frequently asked questions
What are multichain lending platforms?
How do multichain lending platforms differ from single-chain platforms?
What are the risks of using multichain lending platforms?
How can I choose a reliable multichain lending platform?
Wirex
YouHodler
eToro
eToro
eToro
eToro
Phemex
Zoomex
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, the educational content on this website is offered in good faith and for general information purposes only. BeInCrypto prioritizes providing high-quality information, taking the time to research and create informative content for readers. While partners may reward the company with commissions for placements in articles, these commissions do not influence the unbiased, honest, and helpful content creation process. Any action taken by the reader based on this information is strictly at their own risk. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
