The use of cryptocurrency for everyday spending is gaining real momentum — and Visa is at the forefront of this transformation. According to a recent report by CNBC, consumers globally spent more than $1 billion using Visa-backed crypto cards in the first half of 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the mainstream adoption of digital currencies, signaling a shift from speculative assets to practical tools for daily transactions.
This figure surpasses the combined crypto-related spending on Visa’s network during the same periods in previous years. While the company did not disclose exact historical numbers, it confirmed that 2025’s first-half spending far exceeds that of 2019 and 2024, reflecting growing consumer confidence and infrastructure maturity in the crypto payments space.
Building a Functional Crypto Ecosystem
Vasant Prabhu, Chief Financial Officer at Visa, emphasized the company’s mission to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday financial life. “We’re working to create an ecosystem where crypto becomes more useful — more like traditional money,” Prabhu told CNBC. “People are exploring how to use crypto for the same things they use regular currency for: buying coffee, paying bills, shopping online.”
He acknowledged that volatility remains a challenge, but stressed that managing risk is the responsibility of crypto holders — not the payment networks facilitating transactions. “There are still issues around volatility and regulation,” he said. “But tracking and managing those aspects is up to the owners of the crypto.”
Visa’s strategy focuses on enabling seamless conversion from digital assets to fiat currency at the point of sale, allowing users to spend crypto without needing to manually sell it first. This frictionless experience is key to driving broader adoption beyond tech-savvy investors.
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Consumer Demand Is on the Rise
Consumer appetite for crypto payments is growing rapidly, especially among younger demographics. A recent study by Mastercard — Visa’s primary competitor — found that 93% of North American consumers plan to use cryptocurrency or other emerging payment technologies within the next year. These include biometrics, contactless payments, and QR code systems.
Even more telling: 75% of millennials said they would be more likely to use crypto if they better understood it. This highlights a critical opportunity — education. As awareness increases, so does willingness to adopt.
Visa has responded by expanding partnerships with regulated crypto exchanges and fintech platforms. These collaborations allow users to link their digital wallets directly to Visa cards, enabling instant conversion when making purchases at over 70 million merchants worldwide.
Major Players Joining the Movement
This year, Gemini — the cryptocurrency exchange co-founded by billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss — launched a new rewards card in partnership with Mastercard. The card allows users to earn crypto back on everyday purchases. However, unlike some other platforms, it does not grant direct access to users’ digital wallets through the website, prioritizing security over full self-custody.
Meanwhile, Visa has welcomed FTX — the crypto platform founded by Sam Bankman-Fried — into its FinTech Fast Track Program. The initiative accelerates integration for innovative financial technology companies, helping them scale faster and make crypto more accessible for both consumers and businesses.
Other major players like Circle, BlockFi, and Coinbase have also joined Visa’s network. These companies enable cardholders to spend cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and USDC across millions of retail locations globally. With Coinbase going public via Nasdaq earlier in 2025, institutional credibility continues to grow.
The Broader Payment Revolution
Visa estimates that crypto-linked cards, combined with other emerging technologies like biometric authentication and QR-based payments, could eventually disrupt the $18 trillion global cash and check economy. That’s a massive shift — one that redefines what money looks like in the digital age.
While crypto currently represents a small fraction of total payment volume, its trajectory is steep. The infrastructure is improving, regulatory clarity is increasing, and user experience is becoming more intuitive than ever.
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Bitcoin’s Volatility and Market Trends
The surge in crypto spending coincides with notable market movements. In February 2025, Bitcoin’s market capitalization crossed $1 trillion** for the first time. By April, it reached a record high near **$65,000 per coin, driven largely by retail investors seeking inflation hedges during uncertain economic times.
However, the market has since cooled. Bitcoin dropped nearly 45% from its peak and briefly fell below $29,000 last month — lower than its value at the start of the year. Despite this volatility, transaction volumes remain strong, suggesting that usage is decoupling from price speculation.
This trend indicates maturation: people aren’t just holding Bitcoin; they’re spending it.
Visa’s Stance on Holding Crypto
Despite facilitating billions in crypto transactions, Visa has no plans to add digital assets to its own balance sheet — unlike companies such as Tesla or MicroStrategy.
“We don’t hold crypto on our balance sheet,” Prabhu clarified. “We only hold currencies necessary for operating our business — dollars, euros, pounds — the money we receive from clients or pay to partners. Crypto isn’t part of our treasury strategy because it’s not how we get paid or make payments.”
This cautious financial stance contrasts with its aggressive innovation in payment infrastructure. Visa isn’t betting on price appreciation — it’s betting on utility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a crypto-linked Visa card?
A: A crypto-linked Visa card connects your digital wallet to a physical or virtual debit/credit card, allowing you to spend cryptocurrency anywhere Visa is accepted. The transaction automatically converts crypto to fiat currency at checkout.
Q: Can I earn rewards in crypto?
A: Yes — several Visa partners offer cashback or rewards paid in cryptocurrency. For example, certain cards let you earn Bitcoin or stablecoins when purchasing groceries, gas, or online goods.
Q: Is spending crypto secure?
A: When using regulated platforms and trusted issuers, yes. Most services use encryption, two-factor authentication, and instant conversion to minimize exposure to price swings and fraud.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes when I spend crypto?
A: In most jurisdictions, yes. Spending cryptocurrency is considered a taxable event because it involves selling an asset. Always consult a tax professional for guidance based on your location.
Q: Which cryptocurrencies can I spend with Visa cards?
A: Commonly supported ones include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and DAI. Availability depends on the issuing platform and region.
Q: How fast are crypto transactions processed?
A: Thanks to Visa’s global network, purchases are processed instantly — just like traditional card payments. The backend conversion from crypto to fiat happens in real time.
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Final Thoughts
The $1 billion milestone in crypto spending via Visa cards isn’t just a number — it’s proof that digital currencies are moving beyond exchanges and into real-world use. With stronger partnerships, improved user experiences, and rising consumer demand, the future of money is becoming increasingly decentralized and digital.
As adoption grows, so will innovation. Whether it's earning crypto rewards, paying rent with stablecoins, or verifying identity through blockchain-based systems, the financial landscape is evolving — and Visa is helping lead the charge.
For consumers, the message is clear: cryptocurrency is no longer just an investment. It's becoming a way to live.