Crypto Cards Surge 15% in Europe Driven by Micro-Spending Shift

Crypto cards are increasingly becoming a preferred choice for small transactions in Europe, with 45% of crypto-linked card transactions being under 10 euros. This trend indicates a shift from traditional cash-based micro-spending to digital asset usage. The report by CEX.IO highlights that crypto card holders are adopting spending patterns similar to traditional bank card users, but with a faster embrace of online payments. The data shows a 15% rise in newly ordered CEX.IO crypto cards across Europe in 2025, reflecting growing interest in digital assets for everyday payments.

According to the report, 40% of crypto card transactions are conducted online, nearly double the average of 21% for all card payments across the euro area. This suggests that crypto card users are more inclined towards digital transactions, which could be due to the convenience and security offered by blockchain technology. The average transaction value for crypto cards is 23.7 euros, compared to 33.6 euros for bank cards, indicating that crypto cards are more frequently used for smaller purchases.

The spending patterns of crypto cardholders reveal that groceries make up 59% of purchases, closely followed by dining and bars at 19%. This mirrors the spending habits of traditional bank card users, with groceries accounting for 54% and dining and bars at a lower percentage. The data also shows that stablecoins power 73% of transactions, with other major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Solana also being used for everyday expenses.

Despite the growing adoption of crypto cards, traditional banks are not sitting idle. Barclays, for instance, has announced plans to ban crypto transactions on its Barclaycard credit cards, citing concerns over market volatility and the lack of investor protections. This move highlights the regulatory and security challenges that the crypto industry still faces, which could impact its widespread adoption.

The trend of increasing crypto card usage is consistent across other providers as well. Oobit and Crypto.com have reported strong spending on everyday essentials and high volumes in online shopping transactions, respectively. This indicates that the shift towards crypto cards is not limited to a single provider but is a broader market trend.

In conclusion, the rise of crypto cards in Europe's micro-spending market is a significant development that challenges the dominance of traditional banks. The convenience, security, and efficiency offered by crypto cards make them an attractive option for consumers, particularly for small transactions. As more consumers embrace this technology, traditional banks will need to adapt and innovate to remain competitive. The future of micro-spending in Europe is likely to be shaped by the ongoing competition between crypto cards and traditional payment methods, with consumers ultimately benefiting from increased choice and convenience.