New data from crypto payment platform Oobit indicates a significant shift in how Americans use digital assets, with over half of transactions now directed toward everyday purchases rather than speculative trading. The findings, based on activity since Oobit's US launch in December 2025, suggest that cryptocurrency is increasingly functioning as a medium of exchange rather than a pure investment vehicle.
According to Oobit, everyday spending categories—including restaurants (16%), fast food and coffee (16%), gas stations (13%), and grocery stores (8%)—collectively account for 53% of all transaction volume. Digital gaming platforms, while representing only 6% of transactions, contribute 28% of total payment volume, indicating higher per-transaction spending in that segment.
Stablecoins Lead Spending, Bitcoin Held as Store of Value
The asset mix in the US differs notably from patterns observed in Europe. While Tether's USDT dominated 92% of Oobit's EU payments, US activity is more diversified. Stablecoins account for 64% of total payment volume (USDT 42%, USDC 22%), with Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin collectively making up the remaining 36%.
However, deposit data reveals a contrasting trend: users primarily fund accounts with Bitcoin (44.7% of deposits), followed by XRP (14%) and Ethereum (13%). This suggests many users hold major cryptocurrencies as long-term stores of value while relying on stablecoins for daily transactions—a pattern aligning with broader stablecoin market growth, which McKinsey and Artemis estimate at roughly $390 billion in annual payment volumes.
Regional Variations Highlight Different Spending Profiles
Geographic data reveals distinct usage patterns across US states. California leads with 36% of total payment volume and the most diversified spending, spanning restaurants, groceries, retail, hotels, and digital services. Florida contributes 31% of volume, with average transaction values 38% higher than California and a stronger concentration on digital platforms. Texas, representing 10% of volume, shows the strongest everyday-use profile, with activity concentrated in food, fuel, and coffee.
Since launching in the US, Oobit's transaction volume has increased 260%, with users averaging monthly spending of $804. The company noted that DePay wallet activity remains early, with XRP and Solana showing stronger transaction completion rates, while Arbitrum integration is too recent for analysis.
Infrastructure Driving Adoption, Not Just Regulation
Oobit CEO Amram Adar emphasized that infrastructure, not legislation, will determine who controls the final layer of crypto commerce. “Legislation is setting the guardrails, but infrastructure is what ultimately decides who owns the last mile of crypto commerce,” Adar said. “By enabling New Yorkers to use their digital assets for everyday purchases right at the checkout counter, we are proving that crypto is no longer just a speculative asset, but a practical, invisible tool for daily life.”
The company views the US market as driven by infrastructure meeting existing consumer demand, contrasting with Europe, where adoption has been more closely tied to regulatory developments. A similar pattern is emerging in Latin America: since launch, activity in Brazil has grown 202%, with users averaging $400 in monthly spending. Grocery stores account for 35% of transactions there, followed by restaurants (8.8%) and department stores (5.3%).
For context, the broader crypto payment landscape is evolving rapidly. Recent reports indicate that stablecoins now dominate 73% of European crypto card payments, reinforcing the trend toward everyday use. Meanwhile, traditional financial institutions are also adapting; Citigroup's Q2 profit surged 45% on trading and investment banking strength, highlighting the broader financial ecosystem's resilience.
Based on usage patterns across North America, Europe, and Latin America, Oobit's data suggests cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used for everyday spending rather than held solely for future utility or investment purposes. This shift, if sustained, could have significant implications for payment infrastructure, merchant adoption, and the long-term role of digital assets in the global economy.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
