Cryptocurrency

JPMorgan

Cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative asset or a niche investment.&nbsp;
According to a new <a href="https://nca.org/2025%20Crypto%20Holiday%20Report.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">survey</a> released by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), crypto is quickly becoming part of everyday consumer behavior, including holiday gifting and shopping.
Ali Tager, VP of communications at the NCA, joined TheStreet&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Roundtable's</a> Jackson Hinkle to discuss the survey in depth.
The survey, conducted in partnership with <a href="https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/innovation/paypal-exec-says-pay-with-crypto-feature-lets-millions-spend-digital-assets" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">PayPal</a>, polled roughly 2,000 adults in the U.S. to understand how Americans think about crypto as the holiday season approaches.
The results point to a meaningful change in perception and usage. “Crypto is officially on the gift list,” said Tager.
<a href="https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/inflation-troubled-american-gen-z-wants-free-crypto-this-christmas" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Related: Inflation-troubled Americans wants free crypto this Christmas</a>
1 in 4 Americans told surveyors that they have already given or are considering gifting crypto this holiday season. That figure alone marks a major milestone for adoption, but the data goes further.
About 17% of respondents said they would actually prefer to receive crypto rather than a traditional gift card.
The preference for crypto is driven by practicality and potential upside. On average, Americans left $90 unspent on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">gift cards</a> last year.
<h2 id="americans-find-crypto-flexible-and-modern">Americans find crypto flexible and modern</h2>
Crypto, by contrast, is seen as more flexible and more likely to be used. Survey respondents also cited the possibility of appreciation as a key advantage, along with the idea that crypto simply feels more modern and exciting than a plastic card.
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 <a href="https://nca.org/2025%20Crypto%20Holiday%20Report.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Source: NCA</a>
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The shift is not limited to gifting. The survey found that almost a quarter of consumers are likely to use crypto to pay for holiday shopping this year.
Among people who already use crypto, the figure jumps sharply. 65% of current crypto users said they plan to pay with crypto during the holidays. 50% of them&nbsp;expect to receive crypto themselves.
Younger Americans are driving much of the gifting activity, with about 22% aged 18-54 saying they plan to gift crypto. Interest among those over 55 is lower, but still notable, with roughly 9% saying they would be excited to receive crypto as a gift.
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<h2 id="crypto-finding-place-in-daily-life">Crypto finding place in daily life</h2>
At the same time, broader data from the NCA paints a more nuanced picture. In a separate study earlier this year surveying 10,000 crypto holders, the organization found that more Americans over 55 use <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">crypto</a> than those under 25.
Crypto ownership also cuts across income and profession. More crypto holders work in construction than in finance, and roughly a quarter of crypto owning households earn less than $75,000 annually.
Taken together, the findings suggest crypto is moving beyond stereotypes and into daily life. With a low barrier to entry and growing familiarity, crypto is increasingly viewed not just as an investment but as a usable form of money.
This holiday season may be the clearest signal yet that mainstream adoption is no longer theoretical but already underway.

Crypto is officially on the holiday shopping list, new survey shows

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