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Crypto Card Usage Points to Broader Cashless Trends in Europe
As consumer payment habits continue shifting across the European Economic Area, crypto-linked payment cards are emerging as an early signal of how digital spending may evolve in the coming years. Recent user data from crypto platform CEX.IO suggests that card-based crypto payments are being used in ways that mirror traditional banking behaviors—yet with a noticeably faster tilt toward online and small-value transactions.
In the first half of 2025, CEX.IO reported a 15% increase in new crypto card orders, indicating continued growth in demand for cryptocurrency-based payment methods. Though still a relatively niche offering, the behavioral patterns of crypto card users could offer insight into the future of day-to-day consumer payments in the region.
Online Payments Lead for Crypto Card Users
While online payments across the Euro area accounted for 21% of total card transactions in 2024, crypto card users already exceed that benchmark by a wide margin. CEX.IO data shows that 40% of transactions made using its crypto cards are online purchases—nearly double the regional average.
This divergence suggests that users of crypto-linked cards are adopting digital-first spending habits more rapidly than the general public. Though traditional cardholders continue to move gradually toward online and contactless options, crypto users appear to have made that shift already.
Comparable data from other crypto card providers supports this view. Both Oobit and Crypto.com have reported similar usage trends among European customers, pointing to broader industry patterns beyond a single platform or user demographic.
Spending Patterns Reflect Traditional Banking Use Cases
Despite the distinct payment rails, crypto card spending closely resembles how traditional bank cards are used across the region. According to CEX.IO’s internal data:
Day-to-day items—including groceries, retail, and transport—make up 59% of crypto card payments, slightly higher than the European Central Bank’s average of 54% for conventional cards.
Groceries represent 30% of transactions, in line with overall regional norms.
Dining and bar spending accounts for 19% of crypto card usage—surpassing the 16% average for in-person dining and significantly above the 11% spent on food delivery.
These similarities suggest that crypto card holders are using their cards for routine purchases rather than niche or speculative spending. While the payment infrastructure may differ, the spending intent appears broadly familiar.
Smaller Transactions Hint at a Decline in Cash Dependency
One area where crypto card users differ more sharply is in transaction size. CEX.IO reported an average transaction value of €23.70—significantly lower than the €33.60 average for bank cards, based on Q1 2025 Mastercard data.
Nearly half of all crypto card purchases fall below the €10 mark, a range where cash has traditionally dominated. This could indicate that crypto users have already shifted away from cash even for low-value purchases—a change that remains more gradual among broader consumers.
As more Europeans adopt contactless payments, the preference for card use in small transactions may accelerate. Data suggests that crypto card usage could be an early preview of how European consumers, in general, will behave as digital payment tools become more widespread.
Stablecoins Dominate, but Broader Crypto Use Emerges
Stablecoins remain the dominant asset used for crypto card payments, accounting for approximately 73% of transactions. However, users are also spending major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana.
This suggests a deeper level of user engagement beyond simple fiat-pegged convenience. For a growing subset of consumers, crypto is beginning to function as a day-to-day currency rather than solely as an investment vehicle.
Outlook: Crypto Behavior as a Bellwether
While the penetration of crypto cards is still limited relative to traditional banking products, the behavioral data they produce offers a compelling view into how spending habits are evolving.
If trends continue, broader adoption of small-value, card-based payments—particularly online—may be on the horizon for a larger portion of European consumers. Rather than a radical departure, these habits reflect a logical evolution in a payment environment increasingly shaped by speed, convenience, and reduced reliance on physical currency.
Whether crypto will play a central role in that future remains to be seen. But for now, its early adopters offer a practical preview of how cashless Europe could take shape.
