Crypto Cards Outpace Banks for Micro-Payments in Europe
Crypto cards are outperforming traditional banks in Europe for small purchases, with 45% of transactions under 10 euros. CEX.IO reports a 15% increase in new crypto card orders in 2025, indicating rising interest in digital assets for everyday payments. Crypto card users conduct 40% of their transactions online, nearly double the euro area average of 21%. Groceries account for 59% of crypto card purchases, while dining and bars represent 19%. The average transaction value for crypto cards is 23.7 euros, compared to 33.6 euros for bank cards. Stablecoins facilitate 73% of transactions, with Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Solana also used for everyday spending. Barclays plans to ban crypto purchases on its credit cards due to concerns over customer debt and lack of investor protections.
