In July, Crypto Card Spending Increased by 2.5 Times to $759 Million

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-08-18Last updated on 2026-08-18

Abstract

In July 2026, spending on cryptocurrency-linked payment cards soared 2.5 times year-over-year to reach $759 million. This surge was driven by 9 million purchases, up from 5.2 million transactions in July 2025, with an average purchase value of around $86. The primary driver was U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins, which accounted for 84% of all tracked spending. USDC held a 58% share, while USDT accounted for 26%. This marks a significant increase from the previous year when their combined share was 55%. Adjusted transaction volume grew 63% from May and 125% from June 2025, despite a $7.7 billion contraction in the overall stablecoin market. Meanwhile, the popularity of euro-pegged tokens plummeted from 88% in early 2024 to just 2% by July 2026. The Optimism blockchain led in processing these card transactions with a 29% share, followed by Solana and Base at 19% each. Despite the notable growth, the volume of crypto card transactions remains modest compared to traditional payment systems, which process trillions of dollars monthly.

In July 2026, spending using cryptocurrency payment cards increased by 2.5 times compared to the same period last year, reaching $759 million.

Such impressive results were achieved thanks to 9 million purchases, which is significantly higher than the 5.2 million transactions in July 2025. The average cost per purchase was about $86.

The main drivers behind this surge were U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins. $USDC and $USDT accounted for 84% of all tracked expenditures. The share of $USDC was 58%, and $USDT was 26%. For comparison, a year earlier, these assets accounted for 48% and 7%, respectively.

The adjusted transfer volume increased by 63% compared to May and by 125% compared to June 2025, despite the total market value of stablecoins decreasing by $7.7 billion. Meanwhile, the popularity of euro-pegged tokens sharply declined from 88% at the beginning of 2024 to 2% by July 2026.

The leading blockchain for payments was Optimism (29% of crypto card transactions), followed by Solana and Base with 19% each. Despite the noticeable growth, the volume of cryptocurrency card transactions remains modest compared to traditional payment systems, which process trillions of dollars in transfers monthly.

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Related Questions

QBy how much did spending on cryptocurrency payment cards increase in July 2026 compared to the same period last year, and what was the final spending amount?

AIn July 2026, spending on cryptocurrency payment cards increased by 2.5 times compared to July 2025, reaching a total of $759 million.

QWhat was the average cost of a single purchase made with crypto cards in July 2026?

AThe average cost of a single purchase made with crypto cards in July 2026 was approximately $86.

QWhich two stablecoins were primarily responsible for the surge in crypto card spending, and what was their combined share of tracked expenses?

AThe surge was primarily driven by USDC and USDT, which together accounted for 84% of all tracked expenses. USDC had a 58% share, while USDT had a 26% share.

QHow did the popularity of euro-backed tokens for crypto card payments change from early 2024 to July 2026?

AThe popularity of euro-backed tokens for crypto card payments sharply declined from 88% in early 2024 to just 2% by July 2026.

QWhich blockchain was the leader for crypto card transactions in July 2026, and what was its share?

AIn July 2026, Optimism was the leading blockchain for crypto card transactions, handling 29% of them.

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