Almost one in five cryptocurrency owners are expected to be using their assets for payments by 2026, up from only 14.2% in 2024

By 2025, more than 560 million people worldwide own cryptocurrencies, therefore presenting a significant consumer base for crypto payment systems.

Almost one in five cryptocurrency owners are expected to be using their assets for payments by 2026, up from only 14.2% in 2024, showcasing a shift towards actual crypto adoption. By 2025, more than 560 million people worldwide own cryptocurrencies, presenting a significant consumer base for crypto payment systems.

The recently introduced Visa-enabled card for crypto transactions, WhiteBIT Nova, has already processed more than 1 million transactions at WhiteBIT, Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of traffic, further validating the increasing importance of digital assets in daily spending.

While global debit and credit card transactions continue to dominate financial markets, crypto cards are emerging as strong contenders. They offer unique benefits such as enhanced privacy, borderless transactions, and cryptocurrency-based rewards. The global crypto credit card market, valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 220.46 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period.

The convenience of crypto cards lies in the ability to instantly convert crypto to fiat at the point of sale, rendering digital assets more practical for everyday purchases.

WhiteBIT’s latest data shows that its crypto card users are engaging in spending patterns similar to conventional cardholders, with purchases spanning everyday essentials, entertainment, and luxury goods.

Cashback Incentives: A Major Factor in the Adoption of Crypto Cards

Customers regularly select cash back as their preferred credit card benefit.

Crypto cashback is becoming a key driver for WhiteBIT Nova card users as well. The top categories for cashback benefits include:

• Food & Cafés (20.4%), groceries (22.8%), and subscriptions (14.1%) fall into the category of daily necessities.

• Recreation & Entertainment: Gaming (7.3%), entertainment (8.2%), and taxi services (10.7%).

• Travel & Lifestyle: Airlines (4.2%), Auto expenditures (4.9%)

• Purchases pertaining to pets (3.9%) and medications (3.5%) are examples of wellness and daily spending.

The most common options for cashback rewards are still Bitcoin and WBT, although customers are increasingly selecting WBT.

Digital-First: The Rise of Virtual Crypto Cards

WhiteBIT Nova card users prefer the virtual card, accounting for 88.52 percent, aligning with global trends in digital payments, while only 11.48 percent opt for the physical card. This is part of a broader trend where by 2026 the number of individuals using digital wallets worldwide is expected to rise by 53% to 5.2 billion, which is more than 60% of the global population.

The Distinction Between Cryptocurrency and Traditional Finance Is Closing.

The popularity of crypto cards like WhiteBIT Nova reflects how blockchain technology is integrating into the traditional financial domain. Having handled over a million transactions, the WhiteBIT Nova card is demonstrating that digital assets can be smoothly incorporated into daily consumer spending rather than being confined to trading.