Cryptocurrency cards outpace banks in micro-spending in Europe
Cryptocurrency cards are outpacing traditional banks in Europe when it comes to small purchases, with 45% of cryptocurrency card transactions falling below 10 euros ($11.7) — a category where cash has historically dominated.
According to a report by CEX.IO shared with Cointelegraph, cryptocurrency cardholders are exhibiting spending patterns that mirror those of traditional bank card users while adopting online payments at a faster pace.
The report noted a 15% increase in newly requested CEX.IO cryptocurrency cards in Europe by 2025, indicating a growing interest as more Europeans turn to digital assets for everyday payments.
Furthermore, while data from the European Central Bank shows that 21% of all card payments in the eurozone are made online, CEX.IO figures reveal that cryptocurrency card users are already making 40% of their transactions online — nearly double the average.
Cryptocurrency cards used for everyday spending
Spending patterns show that cryptocurrency cardholders are using their cards for everyday expenses. According to data from CEX.IO, grocery purchases account for 59% of acquisitions, close to the 54% benchmark from the ECB, while meals and drinks at restaurants and bars represent 19%, above the average in-person spending on food and beverages.
In particular, the average transaction with a cryptocurrency card stands at 23.7 euros ($27.8) compared to 33.6 euros ($39) for bank cards, according to Mastercard data from the first quarter of 2025.
