Crypto card spending surpasses $1 billion as stablecoins fund daily purchases
Stablecoin-backed crypto cards hit $1 billion in monthly spending
Spending on crypto-linked payment cards surpassed $1 billion in July, with stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar—funding over 70% of transactions. This marks a shift toward using crypto for everyday purchases like groceries, ride-hailing, and subscriptions.
The total tracked spending reached $1.04 billion, more than triple the amount from a year earlier. The average transaction size also grew to $86, up from $59, showing users are making frequent, smaller purchases rather than large one-time withdrawals.
Key spending trends and numbers
- Stablecoins USDC and USDT funded 70% of over 10 million transactions in July.
- USDC accounted for 50.8% of spending, while USDT made up 20.3%.
- Three platforms—RedotPay, EtherFi, and KAST—drove 77% of the total spending.
- Emerging markets saw a 600% increase in transaction value between early 2025 and 2026.
How crypto cards work
Crypto cards allow users to spend digital assets like stablecoins through existing payment networks such as Visa or Mastercard. Users deposit funds with a card issuer or keep them in a personal crypto wallet. At checkout, the balance is converted to local currency, so merchants receive traditional money.
Visa reported over 160 stablecoin-linked card programs in development or already live globally. StraitsX, a partner helping crypto firms launch cards, saw transaction volume grow 40 times between late 2024 and 2025.
Everyday purchases drive growth
Data shows consumers are using crypto cards for routine expenses. In Brazil, users spent about $400 per month on groceries, ride-hailing, and food delivery. In Argentina, 72% of payments used USDT, with food making up 41% of transactions.
Binance’s card in Brazil saw a 53% increase in users and an 80% rise in spending volume between its launch and mid-2026. Kraken’s card reported a doubling in weekly payments per user over the past year, with retail purchases accounting for 59% of spending.
What is confirmed
- Crypto card spending reached $1.04 billion in July, up from $306 million a year earlier.
- Stablecoins funded 70% of transactions, with USDC and USDT leading.
- Average transaction size increased to $86 from $59 year-over-year.
- Emerging markets saw faster adoption, with transaction value rising 600% in lower-GDP regions.
What remains unclear
- The data relies partly on self-reported figures from platforms like RedotPay, which may not be independently verified.
- August spending data is not yet complete, so the full trend for 2026 is unknown.
- While stablecoins dominate some cards, they are not the primary funding source for all major platforms.
Why this matters for crypto users
Stablecoins are becoming a practical way to use digital money for daily expenses without needing merchants to accept crypto directly. This could make crypto more useful for people who want to protect savings from inflation while still spending easily.
As card networks and crypto companies build more stablecoin payment options, users may find it easier to spend digital assets without converting them to traditional money first.
