Crypto Cards Are Quietly Overtaking Banks for Daily Spending in Europe

Crypto Cards Are Quietly Overtaking Banks for Daily Spending in Europe

A new report shows crypto-linked cards are now a serious competitor to traditional bank cards for small, everyday purchases in Europe — and are quickly gaining ground online.

Micro-Transactions Lead Crypto Card Surge

A growing number of Europeans are turning to crypto cards for everyday purchases, and the data reveals a clear trend: nearly half of all crypto card transactions (45%) are under €10 ($11.70) — a space where cash has traditionally ruled.

The 2025 report by crypto exchange CEX.IO, shared with Cointelegraph, shows that digital asset-linked cards are catching up to banks in functionality while outpacing them in digital adaptability.

CEX.IO also reported a 15% year-to-date rise in new crypto card orders across Europe, a sign that more people are using cryptocurrencies for routine, real-world purchases.

Crypto Cards Dominate Online Payments

The study compares spending behavior between crypto card users and traditional banking customers. While the European Central Bank (ECB) says 21% of all eurozone card transactions are online, crypto users are already conducting 40% of their payments on the internet — nearly double the euro-area average.

This trend confirms that crypto users are embracing the cashless shift faster than expected, especially in the online retail space.

Grocery Shopping, Dining, and Daily Spending

CEX.IO’s report reveals crypto cards are used for groceries 59% of the time, nearly matching the ECB’s 54% for traditional cards. Dining and bar payments make up 19%, even above average benchmarks for in-person food and beverage transactions.

Meanwhile, the average transaction amount on crypto cards is €23.70 ($27.80), compared to €33.60 ($39) for bank-issued cards, according to Q1 2025 Mastercard data.

“What we’re seeing in Europe is that 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,” said Alexandr Kerya, VP of Product Management at CEX.IO.

He added that average card payment volume has surged 24% in just the last month, a sign of growing trust and convenience.

Stablecoins Take the Lead

Stablecoins are driving the bulk of transaction volume, powering 73% of crypto card purchases. Other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Solana (SOL) are also actively used for day-to-day needs, including transport, food, and services.

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Source: CEX.IO

This trend is not exclusive to CEX.IO. Oobit and Crypto.com also report strong consumer use of crypto cards for daily expenses, particularly in online shopping and essentials.

Barclays Pushes Back on Credit Crypto Purchases

While crypto adoption grows, some traditional financial institutions remain cautious. Barclays recently announced it will block crypto purchases made on its Barclaycard credit cards, citing concerns over unmanageable debt and lack of investor protection.

The bank warned that crypto-related purchases do not qualify for recourse under the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, potentially leaving consumers without protection in the event of loss or fraud.