12% of Adults Held Crypto in 2025: Is That the Full Picture? A Deep Dive
Nearly one in eight U.S. adults owned crypto during 2025, according to a survey from the Federal Reserve on May 23. In the central bank\'s Economic Well-Being Of U.S. Households in 2025, a new survey indicates that about 12% of the United States adults held different cryptocurrencies. The survey, dubbed "Economic Well-Being," reveals key insights into crypto ownership and usage.
The report indicates that 12% of adults held or used cryptocurrencies in 2025. Per the report, 12% of the surveyed adults held or used cryptocurrency last year. Notably, it was favored as an investment tool relative to a transactional one.
Crypto as Investment vs. Transaction: The Real Story
According to the report, crypto is preferred as an investment tool over a transactional one, with only 2% of adults actually using it for purchases. While 12% of adults were found to hold cryptocurrencies, just 2% held cryptocurrencies for purchases. This highlights a significant disparity between ownership and actual utility as a payment method.
The Surprising Statistics on Crypto Transactions
The survey unearthed some intriguing data points. Meanwhile, 29% of adults who used crypto to transact, had no traditional banking relationship. This suggests that crypto may be fulfilling a vital role for the unbanked or underbanked population, providing a means of engaging in the digital economy.
Beyond the Headline: Unpacking the 12%
While the 12% figure offers a snapshot of crypto adoption, it\'s crucial to delve deeper to understand the nuances. Factors like age, income, and education level all likely play a role in shaping crypto ownership patterns. This deeper analysis is key to understanding the future of cryptocurrency adoption and its impact on the broader economy. Only 2% of adults used crypto as a transactional tool. This begs the question: what factors are hindering wider adoption of crypto for everyday transactions?
Further research is needed to fully grasp the implications of these findings and to determine whether crypto will continue to primarily serve as an investment vehicle or evolve into a more widely used medium of exchange.