Monday 24 March 2025 05:28 GMT

EU Consumers Embrace Cryptocurrencies For Everyday Purchases


(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

Cryptocurrency payments in the European Union have seen a significant uptick, with 70% directed towards retail, food, and beverage sectors, according to a report by Oobit, a cryptocurrency payments platform. The analysis, which denominated all transactions in U.S. dollars, revealed that the average payment size using the Oobit app was $8.36, while the average deposit amounted to approximately $85.

Beyond everyday consumer goods, 26% of crypto payments were allocated to tourism-related activities, encompassing lodging, travel, and aviation. Government services and digital payments constituted 1.5% of transactions, with an additional 1.5% directed towards miscellaneous purchases such as healthcare and entertainment.

The surge in cryptocurrency usage within the EU is attributed to the growing acceptance of digital assets, bolstered by governmental efforts to enact supportive legislation. Notably, a substantial 92% of these payments were conducted using the USDt stablecoin. However, this prevalence presents challenges under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, which came into full effect on December 30, 2024.

Complementing Oobit's findings, data from Chainalysis indicates a 44% year-over-year increase in cryptocurrency adoption across Central, Northern, and Western Europe. For transactions under $1 million, the stablecoin market in these regions is expanding at a rate 2.5 times faster than in North America, highlighting a robust trend towards digital currency integration in everyday financial activities.

Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in facilitating this growth. Innovations such as the Lightning Network have enabled swift micropayments in Bitcoin, while crypto debit cards offering“crypto-back” rewards have made spending digital currencies more accessible. These developments signify a shift from viewing cryptocurrencies merely as speculative assets to recognizing them as practical means of exchange.

See also Libra Token Scandal: Allegations of Payments to President Milei's Sister Emerge

This evolution is further evidenced by global adoption trends. In June 2024, Nubank integrated the Lightning Network, bringing cryptocurrency payment capabilities to 100 million customers in Latin America. Similarly, in June 2023, IBEX partnered with Grupo Salinas to allow millions of Mexicans to pay their internet bills using Bitcoin. More recently, in March 2025, Ripple secured a license in Dubai to offer crypto payment services in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the worldwide momentum of digital currency adoption.

Arabian Post – Crypto News Network

Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com . We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.

MENAFN22032025000152002308ID1109344257


Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Search