Bitcoin slips below miner costs: Will Trump’s 10% credit cap boost demand?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-13Last updated on 2026-01-13

Abstract

Bitcoin is currently trading below its estimated mining cost of around $101,600, a level that historically acts as a support floor as miners reduce selling pressure. This coincides with a potential market rebound, as outflows likely bottomed in late December. Meanwhile, former President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% may restrict credit access for some borrowers, potentially driving new demand toward Bitcoin and DeFi as alternative financial systems. While these factors support a short-term price recovery, analysts caution that weak long-term liquidity could challenge any sustained rally.

There’s a short window of opportunity on the way for Bitcoin [BTC].

Outflows look like they bottomed in late December, and BTC is now priced at less than miner costs, where selling usually eases. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal looks like it’ll draw a bigger market to BTC.

While the crypto community has resolved to sleep with one eye open this year, they may just emerge as beneficiaries!

Unintended (yet welcome) consequences

Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% is intended to help lessen the burden on consumers, but it could affect more than TradFi. Such a cap may limit access to credit for borrowers with lower credit scores (estimated to be less than 780).

Banks will reassess who they lend to and at what cost.

This will inevitably leave a section of the market searching for alternatives. Some of this displaced demand may move toward Bitcoin and DeFi platforms where access is not tied to credit scores.

Risk is moving

The average cost to mine one BTC was around $101,600 as of the 10th of January, while Bitcoin itself was trading closer to $90,900 a day later. In simple terms, price has dipped below production cost.

When mining becomes unprofitable, miners tend to slow selling and cut expenses. The level is seen as a floor.

This doesn’t guarantee an immediate rebound, but trading below miner cost has so far been where downside risk was lesser.

A stable market

Analyst Willy Woo recently noted on X that Bitcoin outflows likely bottomed in late December. That lines up with BTC dipping below miner production costs and the early rebound now forming.

These flow changes often take weeks to show up in price, which helps explain Bitcoin’s slow recovery. Futures activity has also started to return, so there’s short-term support.

Still, he remains cautious about 2026 because liquidity has been weak since early last year.

Without a clear pickup in long-term spot inflows, any rally may struggle to hold.


Final Thoughts

  • Bitcoin looks ready for a short-term rebound.
  • Trump’s 10% credit card interest cap could push more borrowers toward BTC.

Related Questions

QWhat is the potential impact of Bitcoin's price falling below miner production costs?

AWhen Bitcoin's price falls below miner production costs, miners tend to slow down selling and cut expenses, which is often seen as a potential price floor that can limit downside risk and may precede a market recovery.

QHow could former President Trump's proposed 10% credit card interest cap affect the Bitcoin market?

AThe proposed 10% credit card interest cap could limit access to traditional credit for borrowers with lower scores, potentially pushing some of that displaced demand toward alternative options like Bitcoin and DeFi platforms where access isn't tied to credit history.

QAccording to analyst Willy Woo, when did Bitcoin outflows likely bottom, and what does this indicate?

AAnalyst Willy Woo noted that Bitcoin outflows likely bottomed in late December, which aligns with BTC dipping below miner production costs and suggests the early stages of a potential market rebound.

QWhy does the article suggest there is a 'short window of opportunity' for Bitcoin?

AThe article suggests a 'short window of opportunity' exists due to the combination of Bitcoin's price being below miner costs (which often reduces selling pressure) and a potential new source of demand from borrowers seeking alternatives if a credit card interest rate cap is implemented.

QWhat cautionary note does Willy Woo express about the Bitcoin market's future, despite the short-term positive signs?

AWilly Woo remains cautious about the longer-term outlook, specifically pointing to 2026, because liquidity has been weak since early last year. He notes that without a clear pickup in long-term spot inflows, any price rally may struggle to sustain itself.

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363 Total ViewsPublished 2025.05.13Updated 2025.05.13

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