Zoomers Lead 36% Crypto Spending on Gaming, 35% on Daily Expenses

Members of Generation Z, commonly known as Zoomers, are more inclined to use cryptocurrency for everyday expenses compared to other age groups. This trend is evident in a survey conducted by Bitget Wallet, which polled 4,599 individuals across three generations to understand the differences in consumer habits among age groups.

The survey revealed that young adults, aged 18–29, are the most active in spending cryptocurrencies on gaming (36%) and everyday expenses and travel bookings (35%). Millennials, aged 30–44, utilize virtual assets for a variety of purchases, ranging from subscriptions to airline tickets. In contrast, Generation X, aged 45–60, prefers to use digital assets for larger purchases, with 40% using them to buy expensive appliances and even real estate.

According to Jamie Elkale, Chief Marketing Officer of Bitget Wallet, the integration of QR codes for small businesses and card integration for large retailers has made crypto payments more accessible and aligned with mainstream consumer habits. This development helps avoid the complexities associated with cryptocurrency exchanges, making digital assets more user-friendly for everyday transactions.

Regionally, the spending habits of cryptocurrency users vary significantly. In Southeast Asia, 41% of users spend cryptocurrencies on games and gifts. In East Asia, everyday purchases and digital goods are the most popular, with a 41% usage rate—the highest globally. In Africa, 38% use cryptocurrencies to pay for education, primarily through cross-border transfers due to the poor banking infrastructure. In Latin America, 38% purchase digital goods, while another 35% shop online. In the Middle East, luxury spending is common, with 31% using virtual assets for expensive goods and 29% for cars.

As of 2025, only two countries have legally permitted citizens to pay with bitcoin. In the United States and many European Union countries, cryptocurrencies can be used with certain companies, but they are not considered official means of payment. For example, in the United States, bitcoin is accepted by Tesla, PayPal, and Microsoft. In Europe, some stores and services accept crypto payments via platforms like BitPay. Thailand is currently testing a pilot program to allow tourists to pay with digital assets nationwide. Bhutan has already launched a similar initiative, with the local government introducing the Binance Pay service to accept cryptocurrencies in the tourism industry.

Younger generations, particularly Zoomers and Millennials, are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency as a means of investment and transaction. This shift is evident in their spending habits, which often diverge from traditional financial practices. One notable area of interest is the gaming industry, where cryptocurrency is used for in-game purchases and transactions. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrency aligns well with the digital economy of online gaming, allowing for seamless and secure transactions. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger gamers who are more comfortable with digital currencies and blockchain technology.

In contrast, real estate remains a more traditional investment avenue for these generations. While cryptocurrency is gaining traction in real estate transactions, it is still not as widely accepted as in the gaming industry. The real estate market, with its high entry barriers and complex regulations, presents challenges for younger investors. However, the potential for cryptocurrency to disrupt traditional real estate transactions is significant, as it offers a more transparent and efficient way to handle property deals.

The spending habits of Zoomers and Millennials reflect a broader shift towards digital currencies and decentralized finance. This trend is driven by a desire for greater control over financial transactions and a distrust of traditional financial institutions. The gaming industry, with its innovative use of blockchain technology, is at the forefront of this shift. Real estate, while slower to adopt cryptocurrency, is also beginning to see the benefits of this technology. As younger generations continue to embrace digital currencies, the impact on both industries is likely to be profound.