Crypto Payments in EU Dominated by Retail, Food, and Beverage Sectors at 70%

Cryptocurrency payments in the European Union are predominantly used for retail, food, and beverage purchases, accounting for 70% of all transactions. This data, derived from a report by Oobit, a cryptocurrency payments platform, underscores the increasing integration of digital currencies in daily consumer activities. The average payment size using the Oobit app is $8.36, with an average deposit of around $85, indicating that these transactions are often small and frequent.

The report highlights that 26% of payments are directed towards tourism-related activities, including lodging, travel, and aviation. Government services and digital payments account for 1.5% of transactions, while miscellaneous purchases such as healthcare and entertainment make up another 1.5%. This distribution suggests that while retail and food and beverage sectors are the primary beneficiaries of crypto payments, other industries are also beginning to adopt this technology.

The growing acceptance of crypto payments in the EU is likely due to the increasing credibility of digital assets, bolstered by governments passing crypto legislation. However, the report notes that 92% of payments are made using the USDt (USDT) stablecoin, which is subject to the MiCA regulation that went into full effect on Dec. 30, 2024. This regulatory environment poses challenges for the continued use of stablecoins in the EU, as businesses and consumers must navigate complex regulations to ensure compliance.

Micropayments, which often utilize stablecoins, have emerged as a significant use case for cryptocurrencies. Advances in technology, such as the Lightning Network, have enabled quick micropayments in Bitcoin, while crypto debit cards offer spending in crypto with "crypto-back" rewards. These innovations have spurred the adoption of crypto payments, moving the technology from a niche interest to a practical means of exchange. For instance, in June 2024, Nubank brought the Lightning Network to 100 million Latin American customers, and in June 2023, IBEX partnered with Grupo Salinas to allow millions of Mexicans to pay for their internet bills with Bitcoin. Additionally, in March 2025, Ripple secured a Dubai license to offer crypto payments in the United Arab Emirates.

Stablecoins like USDt and Circle’s USDC have seen significant growth, with the stablecoin market cap increasing from $62.8 billion on April 1, 2021, to $229.6 billion on March 18, 2025. This growth is driven by the use of stablecoins in developing countries where local currencies are being devalued, providing a stable alternative for transactions. The evolution of crypto payments is expected to continue, with the debut of central bank digital currencies and the integration of crypto payment providers with traditional finance companies playing key roles in shaping the future of digital currencies.