Why Crypto Adoption Isn’t Translating Into Everyday Payments

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In a recent survey that seems to have pulled in more than 5,700 Bitcoin (BTC) holders like a moth to a flame-or perhaps a squirrel to a particularly shiny acorn-it appears there’s quite the chasm between what folks believe about crypto and what they actually do with it. Curiously, while nearly 80% of participants are all for broader crypto adoption, a surprising 55% admit they seldom or never use these digital treasures for everyday payments. One can’t help but wonder if they think their coins might melt in the wash.

This widening gap between fervent belief and actual usage suggests that the chief hurdle facing this not-so-cryptic industry isn’t merely about spreading awareness or rallying ideological support. No, dear reader, it seems to be something entirely different-perhaps a matter of convenience, or as some might say, a failure of imagination.

Most Crypto Users Support Adoption, Yet Rarely Spend: Here’s Why

The GoMining survey, which gathered responses from users spanning various regions, saw a hefty chunk of responses from Europe (45.7%) and North America (40.1%), where people seem to appreciate the concept of currency that doesn’t quite exist yet.

The participants were as diverse as a box of assorted chocolates, with experience levels split almost evenly between those who’ve just discovered the joys of crypto and seasoned holders who can recount tales of market cap highs and lows from years gone by.

This delightful distribution indicates that the limits on crypto spending aren’t confined to one particular region or type of user, much like the propensity for British gents to wear bowler hats in odd places. The survey revealed that crypto payments remain a niche behavior among users who have a penchant for keeping their coins close to their virtual wallets.

Only a mere 12% of respondents reported using crypto for daily payments-what a shocking revelation! That figure creeps up to a modest 14.5% for weekly use and a rather paltry 18.3% monthly. Yet still, the majority reported that they hardly ever spend their crypto at all, preferring instead to gaze lovingly at their wallets as one might admire a fine piece of art.

The spending behavior reveals that crypto works best when it’s used for things that everyone loves most-like digital goods, which make up a whopping 47%. Following closely are gaming purchases at 37.7% and e-commerce transactions at 35.7%. It seems users will happily whip out their crypto in environments that embrace it, but beyond those cozy corners, they retreat into the relative safety of good old-fashioned cash or card.

The findings also indicate that infrastructure-related hiccups are the chief stumbling blocks in this grand endeavor. Respondents cited limited merchant acceptance (49.6%), high fees (44.7%), and volatility (43.4%) as the primary reasons they shy away from crypto payments. Scams, the perennial bogeyman, were highlighted by 36.2% of users as a cause for concern. Who could blame them? One moment you’re riding high, and the next, it’s all gone and you’re left wondering if you should have stuck to traditional banking.

Mark Zalan, the illustrious CEO of GoMining, shared his thoughts with BeInCrypto, stating that if using crypto resembles trying to untangle a particularly knotted ball of string, most users will continue to view it as more of a novelty than a necessity.

“For the everyday user, ‘real utility’ begins when crypto fades into the background. When it’s accepted where they already shop, the costs are clear-cut, and the process is swifter than a cat on a hot tin roof, they’ll be all in. To win over the average Joe, crypto payments must feel as mundane and dependable as tapping a card,” he quipped.

Moreover, Zalan opined that what we’re witnessing here looks less like an “adoption problem” and more akin to a “day-to-day product quandary.” A bit of a mouthful, that!

“People can be open to crypto in theory while still defaulting to cards and bank apps, simply because those options are as common as tea in Britain and feel utterly effortless. Our survey results echo that sentiment: interest exists, but routine usage stalls when acceptance is hit-or-miss, costs are unpredictable, and volatility sends shivers down spines,” he remarked.

Zalan further pointed out that simply having a plethora of tokens doesn’t magically conjure everyday utility, as most tokens fail to alleviate any daily hassle for the average consumer. Practical utility only emerges when crypto provides tangible benefits, such as cross-border value transfers and faster settlement speeds. Consequently, the industry is now focusing on payment pathways and integrations rather than expecting users to juggle a dozen different assets like a circus performer.

Bitcoin Payments Face Incentive-Driven Expectations From Users

Meanwhile, our intrepid survey also delved into what entices users to select crypto over the well-trodden path of traditional payment methods. Privacy and security stood out as the leading factors, noted by 46.4% of respondents, while rewards and discounts were hot on their heels at 45.4%-it appears we all love a good bargain, don’t we?

When it comes to Bitcoin payments, users were quite vocal about their desires. A resounding 62.6% sought lower fees, while incentives like rewards or cashback trailed behind at 55.2%, and wider merchant acceptance came in at a respectable 51.4%.

Notably, nearly half of the respondents expressed a desire to earn yield or rewards every time they made a payment. One could say their expectations have taken a rather ambitious turn!

The data also hints at a broader shift in how users perceive Bitcoin itself. While many still proudly identify as long-term holders, increasing interest in mining, yield-generating products, and tokenized hashrate suggests a preference for Bitcoin that actively churns out returns rather than lounging idly in a wallet. Payments, it seems, are increasingly viewed as just another opportunity to grow one’s holdings-who would’ve thought?

Zalan elaborated on the point that incentives are a standard feature in payment systems. Traditional systems, after all, also employ incentive structures, offering rewards to consumers, economic perks to issuers, and predictable settlements for merchants.

“Expecting crypto payments to scale without similar ‘make it worth switching’ dynamics is a tad unrealistic, wouldn’t you agree? What incentives reveal is where the remaining friction lies: if the experience were already cheaper, faster, and universally accepted, then incentives would hold far less weight. For the time being, incentives compensate for switching costs and help people cultivate habits while the ecosystem races to close the gap on acceptance and those ‘it just works’ checkout experiences,” the CEO mused.

Can Bitcoin Be Both a Payment Tool and a Store of Value?

Respondents also shared their dreams for Bitcoin usage in the future. Everyday expenses topped the list at 69.4%, followed by gaming and digital entertainment at 47.3%, and high-value or luxury items at 42.9%. It appears Bitcoin is not just for the tech-savvy elite anymore, but is starting to be seen as a viable option for daily spending.

However, this raises a rather pressing question: if Bitcoin achieves success as a daily payment method, does that reinforce its status as a store of value or dilute the narrative altogether? One must ponder!

Zalan believes that broader payment utility would ultimately bolster Bitcoin’s position as a store of value. He explained that its status as a store of value is shaped by liquidity, reliable settlement, and how well it integrates into the real-world financial system.

“The more often Bitcoin can be used (even via clever layers like Lightning or cards), the more it behaves like a robust monetary asset with resilient demand and infrastructure surrounding it,” he stated, likely adjusting his monocle for effect.

He emphasized that concerns regarding “dilution” often conflate the idea of spending with a loss of conviction. In mature financial systems, long-term holding and everyday use can certainly coexist, provided the infrastructure removes those pesky frictions.

As we look toward 2026, Zalan painted a more realistic picture: Bitcoin serving as a reserve and settlement anchor while user-friendly payment layers manage the checkout process-allowing users to transact without a care in the world about blocks, fees, or timing. Now, that sounds positively delightful!

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2026-01-21 13:27