Crypto Cards Disrupting Traditional Banking in Europe
Crypto cards are changing the way small transactions are handled in Europe, with nearly 45% of crypto card purchases being under 10 euros (about $11.70). Traditionally, this segment has been dominated by cash payments.
A recent report from CEX.IO, shared with CointeLegraph, notes that spending habits among crypto card users mirror those of traditional bank card users, but they tend to complete online transactions more quickly.
Interestingly, new orders for CEX.IO Crypto Cards increased by 15% in 2025. This uptick suggests that more Europeans are leaning towards using digital currencies for everyday spending.
The European Central Bank reports that approximately 21% of all card payments within the Euro zone are processed online. In contrast, CEX.IO indicates that users of crypto cards are already making 40% of their transactions on the internet.
Everyday Usage of Cryptocurrency Cards
The data highlights that holders of crypto cards are using them for their typical expenses. CEX.IO’s findings reveal that 59% of these card transactions are for groceries, which is close to the 54% average observed by the ECB. Additionally, dining out accounts for 19%, surpassing average spending on personal food and drinks.
On average, a Crypto Card transaction is around 23.7 euros ($27.80), compared to 33.6 euros ($39) for standard bank cards, according to MasterCard’s data for the first quarter of 2025.
“What we see in Europe is that crypto card users aren’t just trying out new tech. They actually reflect what everyday spending in a cashless future could look like,” one expert remarked. “This trend seems to be gaining traction as card payments increased by 24% last month.”
The data further reveals that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Solana (SOL), are being utilized for everyday needs like meals and transportation, comprising around 73% of total transactions.
This pattern isn’t unique to one provider. Reports indicate that oobit has observed significant spending on essentials by European users, while crypto.com is also seeing substantial engagement for online shopping.
Barclays Takes a Stand Against Crypto Purchases
Despite the rise in usage of crypto cards, Barclays has announced its intention to prohibit cryptocurrency transactions through its Barclay Card credit cards. The bank raised concerns about the lack of investor protections within the crypto sector. It fears that volatility could lead customers into debts they can’t manage.
Barclays explained that buying crypto assets could result in unforeseen issues aligned with the Financial Ombudsman Services or the Financial Services Compensation Regime, ultimately leaving consumers vulnerable.
