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Crypto payment cards are rapidly gaining traction in Europe, challenging traditional banks by dominating small-value transactions and online spending.
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Recent data reveals that nearly half of crypto card transactions are under €10, showcasing a shift in consumer behavior towards digital asset usage for everyday purchases.
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According to Alexandr Kerya, Vice President of Product Management at CEX.IO, “Crypto card users aren’t just experimenting with new tech — they’re showing us what everyday spending might look like in a truly cashless future.”
Crypto cards in Europe now rival banks for small purchases and online spending, with growing adoption signaling a shift toward cashless, digital asset payments.
Crypto Cards Drive Everyday Spending in Europe with Growing Adoption
Crypto payment cards have emerged as a significant contender in the European payments landscape, especially for small-value transactions traditionally dominated by cash. Data from CEX.IO highlights that 45% of crypto card transactions are below €10 ($11.7), underscoring a growing consumer preference for using digital assets in routine purchases. This trend is bolstered by a 15% increase in new crypto card orders across Europe in 2025, reflecting expanding interest and trust in crypto payment solutions.
Moreover, crypto cardholders demonstrate spending habits closely aligned with traditional bank card users, particularly in essential categories such as groceries and dining. Groceries account for 59% of crypto card purchases, slightly above the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 54% benchmark for card spending, while dining and bars represent 19%, indicating a robust adoption in everyday lifestyle expenses. The average transaction size on crypto cards is €23.7 ($27.8), somewhat lower than the €33.6 ($39) average for bank cards, suggesting a preference for smaller, frequent payments.
Online Spending Surpasses Eurozone Averages Among Crypto Card Users
One of the most striking insights from the CEX.IO report is the elevated level of online spending by crypto card users. While the ECB reports that 21% of all card payments in the euro area occur online, crypto card transactions show a remarkable 40% online share—nearly double the average. This accelerated adoption of e-commerce payments via crypto cards highlights the digital-native nature of crypto users and their comfort with integrating digital assets into everyday financial activities.
Stablecoins dominate the transaction volume, powering 73% of crypto card payments, which provides users with price stability and ease of conversion. Other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Solana (SOL) also contribute to spending across groceries, dining, and transportation, illustrating a diversified crypto payment ecosystem. These findings are consistent with reports from other providers like Oobit and Crypto.com, which also note strong everyday spending and online shopping activity among European crypto cardholders.
Barclays’ Decision to Block Crypto Purchases Highlights Regulatory Concerns
Despite the growing momentum of crypto card adoption, not all financial institutions are embracing this trend. Barclays recently announced plans to prohibit crypto transactions on its Barclaycard credit cards, citing consumer protection concerns. The bank emphasized the volatility of crypto markets and the potential for customers to incur unmanageable debt, compounded by the absence of regulatory safeguards such as recourse through the Financial Ombudsman Service or compensation schemes.
This move by Barclays reflects broader regulatory and risk management challenges facing the crypto payment sector, underscoring the need for enhanced investor protections and clearer frameworks. While crypto cards offer convenience and innovation, the industry must address these concerns to ensure sustainable growth and consumer confidence.
Conclusion
The rise of crypto payment cards in Europe marks a significant evolution in consumer payment behavior, particularly for small-value and online transactions. With nearly half of crypto card payments under €10 and online spending nearly twice the eurozone average, digital assets are becoming integral to everyday financial activities. However, institutional caution, as demonstrated by Barclays’ restrictions, highlights ongoing challenges around consumer protection and regulatory clarity. As adoption grows, the balance between innovation and risk management will be critical for the future of crypto payments in Europe.
