KEY FACTS: Crypto payment cards are rapidly gaining traction in Europe, outpacing traditional banks for micro-payments under €10, with 45% of transactions falling below this threshold, according to a CEX.IO report. These cards, which enable spending of digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, are seeing a 15% surge in new orders in 2025, driven by their convenience and security for everyday purchases, such as groceries (59% of transactions) and dining (19%). Online spending via crypto cards is notably high at 40%, nearly double the eurozone’s 21% average for card payments, as reported by the European Central Bank.

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Source: CEX.io

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Crypto Cards Outpace Banks in Europe’s Micro-Payment Revolution

In a striking shift within Europe’s financial sector, cryptocurrency-linked payment cards are rapidly outpacing traditional banks in the realm of small-value transactions, signaling a transformative moment for digital assets in everyday commerce. A recent report by CEX.IO, shared with Cointelegraph, reveals that crypto cards are becoming the preferred choice for micro-payments, with 45% of transactions involving these cards valued at under €10 ($11.7). This trend, coupled with a remarkable surge in online spending, underscores the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies for routine purchases, challenging the long-standing dominance of cash and traditional bank cards in Europe.

Crypto payment cards, which allow users to spend digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), and other cryptocurrencies at merchants worldwide, are carving out a significant niche in Europe’s payments ecosystem. According to the CEX.IO report, these cards are particularly dominant in transactions under €10, a segment traditionally ruled by cash. The data highlights that nearly half of all crypto card transactions fall below this threshold, reflecting a growing consumer preference for using digital currencies for small, everyday purchases such as groceries, dining, and transportation.

This shift is not merely a matter of convenience but a reflection of changing consumer behaviour. The report notes that crypto cardholders exhibit spending patterns that closely mirror those of traditional bank card users, with 59% of crypto card purchases allocated to groceries and 19% to dining and bars. These figures align closely with traditional bank card spending, where groceries account for 54% of transactions. However, crypto card users are embracing online payments at a significantly faster pace, with 40% of their transactions occurring online—nearly double the 21% average for all card payments in the euro area, as reported by the European Central Bank (ECB).

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Crypto card spending distribution. Source: CEX.IO

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The average transaction value for crypto cards, at €23.7, is notably lower than the €33.6 average for bank cards, further emphasizing their role in micro-spending. This trend is bolstered by a 15% increase in new crypto card orders across Europe in 2025, signaling growing trust and interest in these payment solutions. The convenience and security offered by blockchain technology, which underpins these cards, are key drivers of this adoption, enabling seamless and secure transactions without the need for traditional banking intermediaries.

One of the most compelling insights from the CEX.IO report is the disproportionate share of online spending among crypto card users. While the ECB reports that 21% of all card payments in the euro area are conducted online, crypto card transactions boast a 40% online share. This near-doubling of the eurozone average highlights the tech-savvy nature of crypto card users, who are leveraging digital assets for e-commerce at an unprecedented rate. This trend is likely fueled by the ease of converting cryptocurrencies to fiat at the point of sale, a feature that eliminates the friction of currency conversion and enhances the appeal of crypto cards for online purchases.

The rise of crypto cards aligns with broader trends in Europe’s move toward a cashless society. As digital payments become increasingly integral to daily life, crypto cards are positioning themselves as a viable alternative to traditional banking solutions, particularly for younger, digitally native consumers who value speed, flexibility, and innovation in their financial tools. The integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream payment systems, such as those offered by Mastercard and Visa, further legitimizes their use, enabling users to spend digital assets at millions of merchants worldwide.

Despite their growing popularity, crypto cards face significant hurdles, particularly in the regulatory sphere. Traditional banks, wary of the volatility inherent in cryptocurrency markets, are taking steps to limit their exposure. For instance, Barclays, one of the UK’s largest banks, announced that it will block all crypto transactions made with its Barclaycard credit cards starting June 27, 2025, citing concerns over market volatility and the lack of regulatory safeguards. The bank highlighted the risk of customers incurring unmanageable debt due to sudden drops in crypto asset prices, as well as the absence of protections like recourse through the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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Cryptocurrencies used for purchases. Source: CEO.IO

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This move by Barclays highlights the challenges facing the crypto payment sector. The Payments Association, a London-based industry group, has pushed back against such restrictions, arguing that equating digital assets with high-risk activities is unfair and overlooks existing controls for managing such risks. In some cases, banks have blocked cash purchases of cryptocurrencies, leaving credit cards as a fallback option, which can trigger higher fees and interest rates when treated as cash advances.

On the regulatory front, Europe is taking a more progressive stance compared to other regions. The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, rolled out by the European Union, is positioning the bloc as a leader in crypto regulation, outpacing the United States in creating a clear and uniform framework for digital assets. MiCA’s implementation has fostered optimism within the crypto industry, particularly as the European Commission has adopted a softer approach to stablecoins, dismissing concerns from the ECB about potential bank run risks. This regulatory clarity is encouraging major players like Coinbase to establish European headquarters, such as in Luxembourg, to capitalize on the EU’s favorable environment.

The Role of Stablecoins and Major Players

Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, are playing a pivotal role in the rise of crypto cards. Their relative price stability makes them an attractive option for everyday spending, addressing concerns about the volatility of other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Major financial institutions, including Mastercard and Visa, are deepening their involvement in the stablecoin space, launching new products and integrations to facilitate crypto payments. Mastercard, for instance, has partnered with Chainlink and other Web3 entities to enable its three billion cardholders to purchase crypto onchain, while also joining the Global Dollar Network (GDN) to support the USDG stablecoin. Similarly, Visa and JPMorgan are exploring stablecoin issuance to enhance cross-border payments, signaling a broader integration of digital assets into traditional finance.

The CEX.IO report also highlights the diversified crypto payment ecosystem, with Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Solana being used across various spending categories. This diversity underscores the flexibility of crypto cards, which allow users to spend a range of digital assets while maintaining control over their holdings. Platforms like Trustee Plus, which offers a crypto debit card alongside SEPA/IBAN banking integration, are further enhancing the usability of crypto cards for European consumers, combining security, compliance, and ease of use in a single app.

Going forward, the trajectory for crypto cards in Europe appears promising. The 15% surge in new card orders in 2025 reflects growing consumer confidence, while regulatory advancements like MiCA provide a stable foundation for further expansion. As digital assets become increasingly integrated into everyday financial activities, crypto cards are poised to redefine how Europeans pay for goods and services, challenging the hegemony of traditional banks and cash.

The convergence of technological innovation, regulatory clarity, and consumer demand is driving a new era of financial inclusion in Europe. Crypto cards, with their ability to bridge the gap between digital assets and real-world spending, are at the forefront of this revolution, offering a glimpse into a future where cryptocurrencies are as commonplace as cash once was. As the continent continues its shift toward a cashless, digital economy, the rise of crypto cards hints at steps closer to mainstream adoption of digital currencies.

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Information Sources:

• European Central Bank
• Mastercard Earnings Release
• Bitcoin Ethereum News
• Cointelegraph
• Blockzhub

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