A survey by Bitget Wallet shows that young people are more likely to use cryptocurrencies for everyday expenses, whereas older generations prefer to spend on larger purchases.
Cryptocurrency in the Consumer Habits Across Generations
According to a survey of 4,599 people, age groups demonstrate different approaches to cryptocurrency usage. Young adults (ages 18–29) spend most of their cryptocurrencies on gaming (36%) and everyday expenses and travel bookings (35%). Millennials (ages 30–44) use virtual assets for a variety of purchases, including subscriptions and airline tickets. Generation X (ages 45–60) prefers larger purchases: 40% spend digital assets on expensive appliances and even real estate.
Regional Features of Cryptocurrency Usage
Regional differences in cryptocurrency usage are also notable. In Southeast Asia, 41% of users spend cryptocurrencies on games and gifts. In East Asia, everyday purchases and digital goods account for the same percentage—41%, the highest rate globally. In Africa, 38% use cryptocurrencies to pay for education, mostly via cross-border transfers due to poor banking infrastructure. In Latin America, 38% purchase digital goods, while another 35% shop online. In the Middle East, luxury spending is common: 31% use virtual assets for expensive items, and 29% for cars.
Future of Cryptocurrency Payments
As of 2025, only two countries have legally permitted the use of bitcoin for payments: El Salvador and the Central African Republic, according to CoinMarketCap. In the United States and many European Union countries, cryptocurrencies can be used with certain companies but are not considered official means of payment. For instance, bitcoin is accepted by Tesla, PayPal, and Microsoft in the USA. In Europe, some stores and services accept crypto payments through platforms like BitPay. Thailand is currently testing a pilot program allowing tourists to pay with digital assets nationwide. Bhutan has already launched a similar initiative, introducing the Binance Pay service to accept cryptocurrencies in the tourism sector.
The survey highlights significant differences in how various generations and regions use cryptocurrency. Young people are actively incorporating cryptocurrency into their daily lives, while older generations use it for larger purchases. This underscores the importance of further research and adaptability to the needs of different consumers.
