OKX reports surge in European crypto card spending for daily essentials

Data from OKX indicates a significant shift in how cryptocurrency is used in Europe, moving from speculative holding to daily consumer spending. According to company reports, purchase volumes via the OKX Card in Europe grew by 280% year-on-year this summer, while the number of transactions increased by 178%.

Between May and July 2026, usage patterns showed rapid acceleration in essential categories across Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and France. Specifically, the number of customers using the card for groceries rose by 221%, and those using it for transport and fuel increased by 263%. Spending volumes in these sectors grew even more sharply, with grocery volumes up 482% and transport/fuel volumes up 530% during the same period.

Geographically, Poland shows the highest concentration of these essential expenditures, with groceries, transport, and utilities accounting for 31.7% of OKX Card spending. This is followed by the Netherlands at 22.2%, Germany at 20.4%, and France at 14.1%. Globally, the sector reached a record monthly purchase volume of $759 million in July.