Fedor Ilchenko
Author
Fedor Ilchenko
Updated
Oct 17, 2026
Fire
17

How to take loans in DeFi correctly and what to pay attention to before receiving a loan

• 7 minutes read • Lending and loans

Как брать займы в DeFi и что нужно знать

Choosing the right platform is the first step. Consider popular decentralized applications such as Aave, Compound or MakerDAO. Check ratings and reviews to avoid scams.

Requires cryptocurrency for collateral. Make sure you have assets such as ETH or USDC that are suitable for collateral. Consider the loan-to-collateral ratio (CR) – aim for 150% or higher to reduce liquidation risks.

Please review the terms and conditions before proceeding with the transaction. Pay attention to interest rates and fees. Know the exact loan volumes and repayment terms, as these may vary depending on the platform.

When registering on the site, ensure the security of your account. Use two-factor authentication and store private keys in a safe place. Backing up your data will help prevent loss of access.

Be aware of the risks. The cryptocurrency market is subject to high volatility and the value of your assets may fluctuate. Consider using calculators to predict changes.

Finally, practice discretion. Test minimum amounts before making transactions to better understand the process and avoid large losses.

Basic principles of DeFi loans

Don’t forget about smart contracts that automate all processes in the field of decentralized borrowing. These contracts ensure transparency and security of transactions. All conditions, including interest rates and terms, are specified at the stage of their creation, which eliminates the possibility of manipulation in the future.

Interest rates on DeFi loans are based on supply and demand, which is different from a traditional bank loan. There are platforms where users can set their own loan terms, which is why you can often find better offers. This makes it possible for lenders and investors to find each other without intermediaries.

When working with decentralized applications, it is important to consider transaction fees, which can vary depending on network congestion. It is important to familiarize yourself with possible costs in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. These fees may vary on each platform.

Borrowing platforms can be either open or closed source. Open platforms allow anyone to become familiar with the algorithms and working mechanisms, which increases user trust. Closed systems, in contrast, often rely on their own security protocols, which may be less transparent but more specialized.

Finally, an important point is to understand the risks associated with liquidity. Revaluation of collateral may lead to the liquidation of assets if the price of the provided cryptocurrencies falls below a specified level. Before you start borrowing, consider all risks and possible scenarios to minimize possible losses.

Choosing the right lending platform

It is important to choose a platform with high liquidity and a reliable reputation. Popular solutions include Aave, Compound and MakerDAO. Check for audits and real user reviews. It is also important to pay attention to interest rates: fixed or floating. They can have a significant impact on your financial strategy.

Platform Liquidity Interest rate Audit
Aave High 3-12% Yes
Compound Average 4-10% Yes
MakerDAO High 5-15% Yes

Don't forget about the user interface and the features offered: the ability to cross-collateralize assets, mobile applications and support for various tokens. The more convenient the interface, the easier it will be to manage funds and carry out transactions.

Registration and creation of a wallet in DeFi systems

Select the appropriate wallet type:To interact with decentralized platforms, software (for example, MetaMask) or hardware options (Ledger, Trezor) are suitable. Software solutions are easier to install, but less secure than hardware solutions. Explore the available options and choose the one that suits your security and usability needs.

Creating a wallet:To install a software wallet, download a browser extension or mobile application. After installation, complete the registration process by creating a unique password and remembering or writing down a seed phrase - a set of words that will provide access to assets. Do not store it in cloud storage. It is best to write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place.

Connection to platforms:After creating your wallet, connect to the desired services using the “Connect Wallet” function. Make sure you are on the official website to avoid phishing. Carefully check the permissions that are requested from your wallet and refuse unnecessary ones. Pay attention to transaction fees when interacting with platforms.

The process of obtaining a loan: step by step

First, choose a platform where you can interact with cryptocurrency assets. Consider options like Aave, Compound or MakerDAO. Check the reviews and security levels of various services to determine which one is best for your needs.

Step 1: Prepare Assets

Ensure the availability of cryptocurrency to be used as collateral. Most platforms require you to deposit assets that meet a specified liquidity limit. Consider the current rates and choose the appropriate coin for making a deposit.

Step 2: Create a Wallet

To work with the platform, create a cryptocurrency wallet. The most popular options include MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Make sure you save your access keys and recovery phrases to protect your funds.

  • Download and install the application
  • Create a new wallet or import an existing one
  • Save your keys and recovery phrase

After creating your wallet, fill it with the necessary collateral tokens that match the platform.

Step 3: Connect to the platform

Шаг 3: Подключение к платформе

Go to the selected resource and connect your wallet. Usually, to do this, you need to click on the “Connect” button, where you will be asked to select the type of wallet. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Step 4: Create an application

Шаг 4: Создание заявки

After connecting your wallet, select the option to activate the loan. Indicate the amount and type of assets that will be used as collateral. Find out about the terms and interest associated with the financing you receive to avoid unexpected situations.

Step 5: Completing the Process

Confirm the creation of the application. Typically, this will require authorization via a special confirmation message. After this, monitor the status until the request is processed. Make sure you have funds in your account after approval.

  • Transaction history
  • Application Status Notifications

Read the terms of repayment and obligations to the platform and be sure to take into account possible risks when using credit services related to cryptocurrency.

Risks and safety when working with DeFi loans

Риски и безопасность при работе с DeFi-займами

Safety always comes first. Use only proven applications and platforms that have proven themselves in the market. Before depositing funds, study the service’s reputation and user reviews. You should not trust unknown projects.

Types of Risks in DeFi

There are several categories of threats that can lead to the loss of funds:

  • Credit risks:associated with the lack of appropriate conditions for return.
  • Technical risks:code errors or vulnerabilities in smart contracts.
  • Market risks:fluctuations in prices for assets pledged as collateral.
  • Regulatory:changes in legislation affecting the functioning of the service.

Be sure to audit smart contracts. Use third party security testing companies. This can reduce the likelihood of vulnerabilities and losses.

Maintaining personal safety

Do not store all funds in one contract or on one platform. Divide your assets into multiple wallets and services to minimize the impact of a possible attack. Use hardware wallets to store large amounts.

When interacting with platforms, never reveal your personal information or access. Use two-factor authentication to further protect your accounts and funds.

Ensure that the information provided in smart contracts is transparent. Participate only in those projects where all information is open for analysis. Study the details of the agreements before making a decision to place funds.

Question and answer:

How can a beginner choose the right platform for borrowing in DeFi?

When choosing a DeFi borrowing platform, beginners should pay attention to a few key aspects. First, study the reputation of the protocol - pay attention to user reviews and the experiences of other investors. Second, document which cryptocurrencies are supported for lending and borrowing. This is important for choosing the most suitable currency. The third point is to study the terms of the loan, including interest rates, interest calculation models and terms. Finally, check the security level of the platform. Pay attention to the presence of code audits and other measures to protect your funds.

What is the process of getting a loan in DeFi and what is required?

To get a loan in DeFi, you need to follow several steps. First, you will need to create a cryptocurrency wallet that supports the DeFi protocol of your choice. Then you should top up your wallet with the cryptocurrency that you are going to use for a loan or as collateral. Once your funds are in your wallet, you need to connect to the DeFi platform, for example through the web interface. After that, select the loan amount and make sure that you are satisfied with the conditions. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the risks associated with borrowing in DeFi, such as volatility, the chance of losing collateral, or possible technical glitches on the platform. After confirmation of all data, the loan will be provided.

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