Cryptocurrency payment card transaction volume soars 22 times: A new era of mainstream payments begins in 2026

Gate market data shows that as of January 21, 2026, the BTC price is reported at $89,860, and the market is seeking new directions amid volatility. Meanwhile, a silent yet profound transformation is taking place in the payments sector: since the end of 2024, daily cryptocurrency payment card transaction volume has surged 22 times, reaching nearly 60,000 transactions in mid-January 2026, with daily transaction value approaching $4 million.

This data marks the rapid evolution of cryptocurrencies from investment assets to everyday usable payment tools.

01 Trend Explosion: Crypto Payment Cards Enter High-Growth Track

Crypto payment cards are experiencing an unprecedented wave of adoption. Latest data shows that the daily transaction count for this service has jumped from a low base in December 2024 to nearly 60,000 in mid-January 2026, an increase of 22 times.

This growth is not an isolated phenomenon. From cumulative data, crypto payment cards have processed over 7.3 million transactions, with total spending surpassing $804 million, driven by the continued use of nearly 150,000 active users.

The payment landscape is being reshaped. Etherfi currently leads the market, managing nearly 50% of crypto card payments. Meanwhile, efficient blockchain networks like Solana have supported over 20,000 users to complete nearly 385,000 transactions, totaling over $40 million.

02 Core Drivers: Why Are Crypto Payment Cards Suddenly Rising?

The explosive growth of crypto payment cards stems from their solution to core pain points in traditional digital currency usage. Instant conversion technology is the foundation, allowing digital assets to be automatically and in real-time converted into local fiat currency during card transactions, providing a seamless experience.

Widespread acceptance is key. These payment cards are typically directly linked to global mature payment systems like Visa or Mastercard. This means users can spend directly at millions of merchants worldwide that accept these card networks, completely bypassing the cumbersome process of converting digital currencies into fiat and transferring funds.

User behavior is also shifting. Increasingly, crypto holders want their assets not only to appreciate but also to be used directly for daily life. Payment cards meet this need, allowing users to retain the potential for asset appreciation while being able to spend them at any time.

03 Ecosystem Competition: From Payment Tools to Comprehensive Financial Portals

As the market rapidly expands, the focus of competition has gone beyond basic payment functions. Leading and emerging companies are vying for users through differentiated services.

Reward mechanisms have become standard. Many crypto cards offer cashback on spending, returning part of the amount in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, directly boosting user loyalty. Cost optimization is another battleground, with no currency conversion fees significantly reducing international spending costs.

Additionally, DeFi (Decentralized Finance) integration is becoming a frontier trend. Some payment card accounts allow users to use digital assets as collateral for loans or enable account balances to earn yields automatically in the background, achieving “spending and value appreciation simultaneously.”

In this competition, newcomers like Gnosis, MetaMask, and Tria are actively expanding the market through product innovation.

04 Macro Perspective: Mainstream Financial World’s Embrace and Regulatory Progress

The rise of crypto payment cards is closely linked to the changing attitudes of mainstream global financial institutions and the gradual clarification of regulatory frameworks. Mastercard explicitly pointed out in its “Six Major Payment Trends for 2026” that connecting cryptocurrencies with fiat currencies is one of the core trends.

Clarification of regulations boosts confidence. Mastercard’s report highlights that clear regulations on stablecoins in the US and Europe strengthen industry confidence in the commercialization of cryptocurrencies. This clears key policy hurdles for applications like payment cards.

Traditional payment giants are actively positioning themselves. Industry forecasts suggest that from stablecoin wallet payments to simplified cross-border settlements, using stablecoins for payments and transfers will become safer and more convenient by 2026. Institutions like Visa and Mastercard have also begun embracing stablecoin payments through partnerships with exchanges.

05 Future Outlook: Evolution of Exchange Roles and Gate’s Strategy

The popularization of crypto payments is reshaping the positioning of exchanges. Leading analysis reports indicate that exchanges are transforming from mere trading venues into “all-in-one applications,” aiming to become comprehensive portals for users’ digital financial lives.

Taking Gate as an example, one of the world’s leading trading platforms (ranked 7th globally according to public rankings), it offers more than just asset trading. By integrating innovative payment solutions and financial services, Gate aims to help users seamlessly manage and directly utilize their digital wealth.

Looking ahead, as technology, regulation, and user habits mature synchronously, crypto payment cards are expected to evolve from early adopter tools into mainstream financial instruments. They not only represent the future of payments but also symbolize a solid step for blockchain technology from the investment realm into real economic applications.

Future Outlook

In the face of market volatility, Gate’s native token GT has demonstrated resilience. As of January 21, 2026, GT is priced at $9.77, with a market cap maintained at around $1.13 billion. Behind this value is Gate’s ongoing effort to build a comprehensive digital asset ecosystem, including convenient payment solutions, as a global platform.

When digital currencies can be used directly to pay for a coffee, an online shopping trip, or a trip, the era of practical blockchain technology truly arrives.