Crypto Cards Overtaking Traditional Banks in Europe on Small Purchases

Crypto-linked cards are dominating the market for small-value transactions within Europe, accounting for 45% of all such purchases – a category historically dominated by cash. This trend is highlighted by a report shared with Cointelegraph by CEX.IO, noting that crypto card holders exhibit spending patterns comparable to traditional users but leverage online payments more frequently.

A significant indicator of this shift is a 15% increase in newly ordered CEX.IO crypto cards across Europe in 2025. Furthermore, CEX.IO data shows nearly 40% of their crypto card transactions occur online, double the average rate of 21% found in ECB card payment data.

Crypto Cards for Everyday Spending

Spending patterns reveal crypto card users employing their cards for daily necessities, much like traditional users. Groceries constitute 59% of purchases, aligning near the ECB’s 54% benchmark, while dining and bars account for 19%, higher than the average for offline food spending. The average crypto card transaction is currently €23.70 (approx. $27.80), down from the €33.60 (approx. $39) average for traditional bank cards (Q1 2025 Mastercard data).

Stablecoins power 73% of crypto card transactions, with the remainder utilizing significant cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC) and Solana (SOL).

This trend is echoed by other providers, such as Oobit and Crypto.com, which report strong spending on essentials and online shopping by European users.

Banker Caution: Barclays to Block Crypto Credit Card Purchases

Despite growing crypto card adoption – exemplified by Kraken’s planned Mastercard launch and recent CEX.IO figures – Barclays is set to ban crypto asset purchases via its Barclaycard credit cards. The bank cites crypto market volatility as a risk for consumer debt and notes the absence of recourse options through investor protection bodies if transactions go wrong.

The increasing crypto takeover previously began in online payments with several European large traditional banks shifting to offering online card payment in the past months, yet maintaining restriction on crypto

These developments underscore the ongoing tension between the rapid rise of crypto payment solutions and the traditional financial sector’s caution, particularly concerning market risks and consumer protection.

Related: Kraken taps Mastercard to launch crypto debit cards in Europe, UK

Related: Floki, Mastercard launch 13-crypto debit card in Europe