Bitcoin-Backed Mortgages Head Nationwide as Coinbase-Better Pilot Gains Traction

As of June 8, media coverage frames the Coinbase-Better Bitcoin mortgage as a niche but meaningful step toward mainstream crypto utility in housing finance. The story began May 27 with Fold’s 4%-rewards Bitcoin credit card and $150 million facility, followed June 3 by Bitcoin.com’s zero-fee merchant checkout. Momentum peaked June 4 when Better and Coinbase closed the first Fannie Mae-backed mortgage in Ann Arbor using 250% BTC or 125% USDC collateral with no margin calls. Better now reports a $250 million waitlist, with 41% of pre-approved borrowers credit-qualified but cash-poor, ahead of the planned summer 2026 nationwide rollout.