Crypto cards are rapidly transforming how Europeans spend, especially on smaller, everyday purchases. According to a recent report by crypto exchange CEX.IO, nearly half (45%) of all transactions made with crypto cards in Europe are under €10 ($11.70). This marks a notable shift from traditional cash dominance in the micro-spending space.
The rise of crypto cards mirrors a broader trend towards digital finance and a cashless economy. CEX.IO reported a 15% increase in newly ordered crypto cards across Europe in 2025, pointing to growing consumer interest in using digital assets for routine purchases.
Spending Habits Mirror Traditional Banking
Interestingly, crypto card holders are behaving much like traditional bank card users, but with a faster tilt toward online transactions. CEX.IO’s data shows that groceries account for 59% of all crypto card purchases, closely aligning with the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 54% benchmark. Dining and bar expenses make up 19%, exceeding average in-person food and beverage spending.
Crypto card spending distribution. Source: CEX.IO
Despite similarities in categories, the transaction value tends to differ. The average crypto card transaction is €23.7 ($27.80), significantly lower than the €33.6 ($39) average for conventional bank card payments, according to Q1 2025 Mastercard data. This lower average suggests crypto card users prefer smaller, more frequent transactions, indicating a shift in how consumers are choosing to manage everyday expenses.
Online Payments Nearly Double Eurozone Average
One of the standout insights from the report is crypto card users’ strong preference for online payments. While the ECB reports that only 21% of all card transactions in the eurozone are online, CEX.IO reveals that 40% of crypto card transactions take place on the internet, nearly double the regional average.
Alexandr Kerya, VP of Product Management at CEX.IO, believes this trend reflects a broader digital shift:
“Crypto card users aren’t just experimenting with new technology, they’re shaping what a cashless, digital-first economy could look like. With card payment volume rising 24% in just the last month, the momentum is clear.”
Cryptocurrencies used for purchases. Source: CEX.IO
Stablecoins dominate usage, powering 73% of transactions, while Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana are also frequently used for day-to-day expenses like groceries, dining, and transport. This suggests that users are leveraging both stability and flexibility within the crypto ecosystem for practical purposes.
Barclays to Ban Crypto Credit Purchases
While crypto cards are on the rise, not all financial institutions are on board. British banking giant Barclays has announced it will prohibit crypto purchases on its Barclaycard credit cards. The move is rooted in concerns over customer debt, driven by crypto market volatility and the lack of regulatory protections.
Barclays highlighted that crypto transactions lack the consumer safety nets available to traditional investments. These include access to the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Without these protections, consumers are more exposed to risk if something goes wrong with their crypto investments.
The bank’s decision comes amid regulatory tightening across Europe, as authorities look to balance innovation with consumer protection. While some see it as a necessary step, others argue it may slow adoption and limit financial autonomy.
A Glimpse into the Future of Daily Payments
Despite institutional hesitations, the use of crypto cards for daily transactions is clearly gaining traction. With rising adoption, stablecoin dominance, and a sharp rise in online usage, crypto payment platforms are beginning to rival and in some aspects surpass.
The growing comfort with using crypto for everyday spending could signal a long-term shift in consumer behaviour, especially as the digital asset infrastructure matures. As regulation catches up and user protections improve, crypto cards could move from being a niche financial tool to a standard part of European wallets.
