10% of Americans Used Crypto in 2025, Fed Report Says

In 2025, 10% of Americans either invested in or used cryptocurrency for payments, marking the highest level in three years, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve. This figure represents a slight increase from 2024 but remains below the 12% peak seen in 2021 during the retail-driven crypto bull market.

The report highlights a shift in how crypto is being used: 9% of respondents cited investment as their primary use, while only 2% used it for payments, and just 1% for remittances. Interestingly, crypto adoption was significantly higher among unbanked Americans, with 6% leveraging it for transactions compared to only 2% of banked individuals. As of 2025, approximately 6% of U.S. adults were unbanked.

Businesses also showed mixed enthusiasm for crypto payments. More than 25% of crypto payment users said merchants preferred digital assets for their speed, privacy, and lower costs. However, less than 10% said businesses favored crypto due to distrust of traditional banks or its perceived safety advantages.

Bitcoin Payments Gaining Traction

Despite the modest overall adoption figures, the push for mainstream crypto payments continues. Companies like Block, led by Jack Dorsey, have enabled Bitcoin and stablecoin payments for over 800,000 U.S. merchants. Similarly, startups like Lightspark, founded by former PayPal President David Marcus, are leveraging the Bitcoin Lightning Network to make transactions faster and cheaper.

These efforts align with a broader trend toward integrating crypto into traditional financial systems. On May 14, 2026, Bitcoin briefly crossed the $80,000 mark, buoyed by Senate progress on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets, signaling growing institutional and regulatory acceptance.

Adoption Trends Reflect Demographic Shifts

U.S. crypto adoption has grown significantly over the past three years. On May 13, 2026, the National Cryptocurrency Association reported that one in four U.S. adults—approximately 67 million people—now own cryptocurrency, an increase of 12 million compared to 2025. Notably, older Americans are entering the market in greater numbers, with those over 55 now outnumbering under-25s among crypto holders.

These demographic shifts may reflect broader changes in how crypto is perceived—as less of a speculative fringe asset and more of a mainstream investment tool. Bitcoin’s current price of $76,795, down 0.16% over the past 24 hours as of May 19, 2026, underscores its role as a key asset in a maturing market. The total crypto market capitalization remains robust at $2.66 trillion.

Looking Ahead

Kevin Warsh, the newly appointed Federal Reserve chair, could further influence crypto adoption. Known for his favorable stance on Bitcoin, Warsh has likened the asset to gold and emphasized its potential to provide market discipline. His leadership may signal a more constructive dialogue between regulators and the crypto industry.

As regulatory clarity improves and institutional adoption deepens, the trajectory for U.S. crypto usage appears poised for further growth. Whether the 10% figure from 2025 will grow substantially in 2026 and beyond could depend heavily on the continued push for crypto payments and the evolving legislative landscape.

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