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Global cryptocurrency payment card adoption

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2026-08-24 02:23 UTC → 2026-08-26 18:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The adoption of cryptocurrency-linked payment tools is expanding, driven by increased consumer interest and new financial products. In the United States, millions of residents own cryptocurrency, leading to the introduction of credit and debit cards that offer Bitcoin or other token rewards through direct payouts or cash-back conversions. By July 2026, monthly spending via crypto payment cards reached a record $1.04 billion, more than triple the volume recorded a year prior. This growth is characterized by a shift toward routine daily transactions, such as groceries, food delivery, and ride-hailing services. The number of tracked transactions exceeded 10 million, with an average transaction value of approximately $86, up from $59 the previous year. Stablecoins have become the primary driver of this volume, funding approximately 70% of transactions. USDC has emerged as the dominant asset, accounting for 50.8% of tracked card volume, while USDT follows at 20.3%. ~~This represents a significant market shift from early 2024, when euro-backed stablecoins like EURe held an 88% market share.~~ Visa continues to power a majority of these programs, operating over 130 stablecoin-linked card programs across more than 50 countries. ~~The ecosystem~~ Following the July milestone, cumulative spending for stablecoin cards has ~~also diversified across various blockchain networks; while Gnosis Chain was an early leader, Ethereum Layer 2 Optimism now handles 29%~~ surpassed $10.9 billion. RedotPay projects that annual stablecoin-linked card spending will reach $50 billion by 2028, anticipating that the industry will process its next $10 billion in volume within just eight months. This acceleration is attributed to increased adoption in developing markets, clearer regulatory frameworks, and the utility of ~~volume, with Solana~~ digital dollars for remittances and ~~Base each capturing 19%. In~~ cross-border payments. RedotPay co-founder Jonathan Chan noted that Latin ~~America, specifically Brazil and Argentina, stablecoins are being utilized both to preserve asset value and to facilitate daily expenses like dining~~ America currently shows the strongest adoption and ~~groceries.~~ growth potential, followed by Africa, suggesting usage is increasingly motivated by practical financial needs.

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