EU Sees 70% of Crypto Payments Going to Retail and Food Sectors

EU Consumers Embrace Cryptocurrencies For Everyday Purchases

  • 70% of cryptocurrency payments in the EU are directed towards retail, food, and beverage sectors, with an average payment size of $8.36.
  • USDt stablecoin dominates EU crypto transactions at 92%, while cryptocurrency adoption across Central, Northern, and Western Europe has increased 44% year-over-year.
  • Technological innovations like the Lightning Network and crypto debit cards are transforming cryptocurrencies from speculative assets to practical means of exchange.

European consumers are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases, according to a new report by Oobit, a specialized Cryptocurrency payments platform. The analysis reveals that 70% of crypto payments in the European Union are now directed toward retail, food, and beverage sectors, signaling a significant shift in digital currency utilization.

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The Oobit report, which converted all transactions to U.S. dollar values, found that the average payment using the platform was relatively modest at $8.36, while users typically deposited approximately $85. This pattern suggests consumers are integrating cryptocurrencies into routine purchasing behaviors rather than just holding them as investments.

Beyond everyday consumer goods, tourism-related activities account for a substantial 26% of crypto payments in the EU, encompassing lodging, travel, and aviation expenses. Government services and digital payments each represent 1.5% of transactions, with an additional 1.5% directed toward miscellaneous purchases including healthcare and entertainment.

The USDt stablecoin dominates the EU cryptocurrency payment landscape, accounting for 92% of all transactions. However, this preference may face challenges under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, which was fully implemented on December 30, 2024, potentially reshaping the region’s digital currency ecosystem.

Supporting Oobit’s findings, Chainalysis data demonstrates a 44% year-over-year increase in cryptocurrency adoption across Central, Northern, and Western Europe. For transactions under $1 million, the European stablecoin market is expanding at a rate 2.5 times faster than North America’s, highlighting Europe’s accelerating integration of digital currencies into everyday financial activities.

Technological advancements have been critical enablers of this growth trend. The Lightning Network has made rapid Bitcoin micropayments possible, while crypto debit cards offering “crypto-back” rewards have simplified digital currency spending for average consumers. These innovations are transforming cryptocurrencies from purely speculative assets into practical payment mechanisms.

Global adoption patterns further illustrate this evolution. In June 2024, Nubank integrated the Lightning Network, bringing cryptocurrency payment capabilities to 100 million Latin American customers. The previous year, IBEX partnered with Grupo Salinas to enable millions of Mexicans to pay internet bills using Bitcoin. More recently, in March 2025, Ripple obtained a license in Dubai to provide crypto payment services in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the worldwide momentum behind digital currency adoption.

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The growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions represents a significant milestone in the digital asset sector’s maturation, as consumers increasingly recognize the practical utility of blockchain-based payment systems beyond their investment potential.

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