Crypto Payments Hit Record High as Stablecoins Dominate Consumer Spending

CoinZoom, a U.S.-based fintech platform, reported that cryptocurrency accounted for 60% of all Visa Debit Card transactions during the third quarter of 2025, marking the highest share in the company's history. The stablecoin Tether (USDT) emerged as the most frequently used cryptocurrency during this period, indicating growing consumer preference for stable digital assets in everyday financial transactions.

This milestone represents a significant shift in payment behavior as consumers increasingly choose cryptocurrency over traditional payment methods. Customers earned an average of $78.59 in crypto rewards on their Visa spending during July, the highest rewards month since CoinZoom launched its international program with Visa in November 2024. The trend reflects broader adoption patterns across the fintech and retail sectors, with every major U.S. consumer-facing wallet either integrating cryptocurrency or announcing plans to launch stablecoin functionality following the passage of the Genius Act.

Todd Crosland, founder and CEO of CoinZoom, emphasized the significance of this development. "Reaching a point where the majority of our debit card transactions are in crypto is not just a milestone - it is a leading indicator of where the market is headed," Crosland stated. "The Genius Act has certainly been a catalyst. As more consumers and businesses adopt stablecoins, we are forecasting higher transaction volumes, deeper customer engagement as their rewards grow, and stronger revenue streams."

The adoption extends beyond niche purchases to mainstream consumer spending. CoinZoom's Visa debit cards are regularly used for crypto transactions in 45 to 50 countries monthly, covering everything from morning coffee at Starbucks to pizzas, burgers, airline tickets, travel expenses, and high-ticket items like jewelry and furniture. When given payment options, customers now select stablecoins and cryptocurrency for nearly two-thirds of all monthly transactions.

Major retailers including Amazon and Walmart are exploring proprietary stablecoins to reduce cash-handling costs and enhance customer loyalty programs. Simultaneously, several of the largest U.S. banks have jointly announced plans for a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin initiative, signaling institutional recognition of stablecoins' growing importance in the financial ecosystem.

This shift toward cryptocurrency payments, particularly stablecoins, indicates changing consumer behavior and the maturing of digital asset infrastructure. The combination of regulatory clarity through legislation like the Genius Act, improved user experience through platforms like CoinZoom, and the appeal of crypto rewards is driving mainstream adoption beyond speculative trading into practical, everyday financial transactions.