Crypto Spending Shift: Gift Cards Become the New Normal
The way people spend their cryptocurrency is undergoing a significant shift. What was once seen as an investment asset, to be bought and held, is now being used for everyday purchases.
Buying gift cards with crypto has become a popular method for holders to use their assets at major retailers, instantly and with minimal friction. This approach sidesteps issues such as merchant acceptance and currency conversion, making it an attractive option for those looking to put their crypto to work.
In 2026, tracked crypto card spending surpassed $1 billion in a single month, with over 10 million individual transactions. The average transaction size was around $86, with more than half of all purchases falling into categories such as dining, groceries, and retail.