The rise of cryptocurrency card micro-payments, with 45% of transaction amounts below 10 euros.
According to the latest report shared by CEX.IO with Cointelegraph, in the European micro-payment market, cryptocurrency cards are outperforming traditional bank cards. The data shows that 45% of cryptocurrency card transaction amounts are below 10 euros (approximately 11.7 USD), a price range that has historically dominated cash payments.
The report states that the number of new CEX.IO cryptocurrency card applications in Europe grew by 15% in 2025, indicating that more and more Europeans are starting to use digital assets for everyday payments. Notably, while European Central Bank data shows that only 21% of all card payments in the eurozone are online transactions, CEX.IO's data reveals that cryptocurrency card users conduct 40% of their transactions online, nearly double the average level.
The spending patterns of cryptocurrency cardholders are similar to those of traditional bank card users, but they are quicker to adopt online payments. According to Mastercard data for Q1 2025, the average transaction amount for cryptocurrency cards is 23.7 euros (approximately 27.8 USD), lower than the 33.6 euros (approximately 39 USD) for bank cards.
Everyday spending becomes mainstream, with grocery shopping accounting for nearly sixty percent of transactions.
Data from CEX.IO shows that cryptocurrency cardholders are using them for everyday spending. Grocery shopping accounts for 59% of all purchasing behaviors, close to the European Central Bank's benchmark data of 54%; dining and bar expenses account for 19%, higher than the average level of physical food and beverage consumption.
Stablecoins play a key role in this wave of payment revolution, accounting for 73% of all transactions. In addition to stablecoins, major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana are also used for everyday expenses like grocery shopping, dining, and transportation.
CEX.IO's Vice President of Product Management, Alexandr Kerya, stated: 'What we see in Europe is that cryptocurrency card users are not just experimenting with new technologies; they are showing us what everyday spending in a truly cashless future could look like.'
He added, 'The average card payment amount has grown by 24% over the past month, and this shift is clearly gaining momentum.'
Multiple operators witness the trend, with online shopping transaction volumes climbing.
This trend is consistent among other cryptocurrency payment service providers. For example, Oobit reports strong spending by its European users on everyday necessities, while Crypto.com has also noted similar high transaction volumes in online shopping.
Data further indicates that cryptocurrency card users have a significantly higher acceptance of online payments compared to traditional payment method users. This phenomenon reflects the open attitude of the digital-native generation toward emerging payment technologies, as well as their pursuit of convenience and efficiency.
The popularity of cryptocurrency payments is also aided by improved technological infrastructure and user experience. As more merchants begin to accept cryptocurrency payments, it becomes increasingly easy for consumers to use these digital assets for everyday shopping.
The banking industry reacts, with Barclays banning credit card purchases of cryptocurrencies.
Despite the surge in cryptocurrency card adoption, backlash from the traditional banking industry has followed. Barclays Bank has announced plans to ban cryptocurrency transactions on its Barclaycard credit cards, fearing that customers may fall into unmanageable debt due to the volatility of the cryptocurrency market.
Barclays Bank explains that purchases of crypto assets cannot be recourse through the Financial Ombudsman Service or financial service compensation schemes, exposing consumers to risk if issues arise. The bank emphasizes the lack of investor protection in the cryptocurrency industry, which is a primary consideration for its decision to impose a ban.
However, these restrictions from the banking industry do not seem to dampen European consumers' enthusiasm for cryptocurrency payments. On the contrary, dedicated cryptocurrency card services are filling this market gap, providing users with more flexible ways to use digital assets and driving revolutionary changes in the European micro-payment market.
Further Reading
Barclays Bank bans credit card purchases of cryptocurrencies! Yet it invests in Bitcoin ETFs, a contradictory stance that has sparked controversy.
'Banks are not afraid to ban! European payments are down-to-earth, with 73% of crypto card transactions used for grocery shopping and dining.' This article was first published in 'Crypto City'.
