Digital Payment Cards Tied to Cryptocurrencies Gaining Popularity for Daily Transactions
Crypto cards are quickly creeping into everyday spending habits, mirroring how people use traditional debit and credit cards. WhiteBIT, Europe's largest cryptocurrency exchange by traffic, has already processed over a million transactions using its Visa-powered WhiteBIT Nova card, providing intriguing insights into the adoption of crypto cards and their usage.
This surge in activity suggests that crypto isn't just for trading anymore. It's now a viable option for everyday purchases, from groceries to flights. In fact, by 2026, nearly 20% of crypto holders are projected to use their digital assets for payments - a significant leap from the 14.2% recorded in 2024. With over 560 million crypto owners globally, the user base for these payment tools is already impressive.
Crypto cards, such as the WhiteBIT Nova, offer instant conversion from digital currencies to fiat at the point of sale, making them practical for real-world use. Spending patterns are starting to mirror those of regular cardholders.
Cashback remains the biggest draw. Users receive crypto rewards in categories like dining, entertainment, and travel, with Bitcoin (BTC) and WBT being the top choices. Interestingly, WBT is seeing increased adoption.
The digital shift is also evident. Around 88.5% of WhiteBIT Nova users prefer virtual cards, while only 11.5% opt for physical ones. This trend coincides with the rise in digital wallet usage, which could reach 5.2 billion users by 2026.
Crypto cards are now demonstrating a clear role in connecting digital assets with traditional consumer spending, indicating that crypto is transitioning beyond the exchange.
- Key Numbers and Trends:
- 1+ million transactions made with WhiteBIT Nova
- 560 million+ people worldwide own crypto (2025 estimate)
- Projected market size: $220.46 billion by 2033 (up from $1.3 billion in 2024)
- Projected user growth: 1 in 5 crypto holders will use crypto for payments by 2026
- Top cryptos used for payments: USDC, BTC, ETH, WBT
- Most popular brands: Spotify, YouTube, Booking, KFC, Ryanair, Farfetch, PlayStation
- Luxury brands like Cartier, Balenciaga, Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton processed over 5,000 transactions.
Top spending categories:
- Groceries
- Food and cafés
- Subscriptions
Top cashback categories:
- Groceries (22.8%)
- Food and cafés (20.4%)
- Subscriptions (14.1%)
- Taxis (10.7%)
- Entertainment (8.2%)
- Gaming (7.3%)
The current trend in crypto card usage indicates steady user growth, increased transaction volumes, and evolving consumer behavior toward digital-first payment methods with rewards programs driving adoption. Bitcoin (BTC) and the platform's native token, WBT, are favored for cashback rewards, showcasing consumer preference patterns. The preference for virtual cards and innovations like metal crypto cards with gamified loyalty underpin a future where crypto payments become more integrated and attractive for daily consumer use. This growth will continue steadily into 2026 and beyond.
- By 2026, nearly 20% of crypto holders are projected to use their digital assets for payments, marking a significant increase from the 14.2% recorded in 2024.
- WhiteBIT Nova, the cryptocurrency exchange's Visa-powered card, has already processed over a million transactions, offering insights into the growing adoption of crypto cards.
- Interestingly, WBT, the platform's native token, is seeing increased adoption, making it a top choice for crypto rewards in categories like dining, entertainment, and travel.
- The preference for virtual cards and innovations like metal crypto cards with gamified loyalty programs suggests a future where crypto payments become more integrated and attractive for daily consumer use.
