TL;DR
- Wage Adoption: Survey shows 39% of crypto users receive income in stablecoins, with average fee savings of 40% on cross‑border transfers.
- Emerging Markets: Stablecoin ownership reaches 60% in developing economies and 79% in Africa, driven by unreliable traditional payment systems.
- Integration Demand: 77% would open a stablecoin wallet with their bank, and 71% want a linked debit card, reflecting strong demand for easier everyday use.
Stablecoins are shifting from a niche instrument to a practical financial tool, according to new findings from BVNK’s global survey with YouGov. The study shows that 39% of crypto users now receive income in stablecoins, reflecting a broader move toward faster and more affordable digital money movement across both emerging and developed markets.
Growing Use Cases Across Borders
The survey of more than 4,600 respondents across 15 countries highlights how stablecoins have become essential for cross‑border activity. Users cited low fees and speed as primary benefits, with average savings of 40% compared to traditional remittance services. Many respondents said stablecoins improved their ability to conduct international business, and 76% of marketplace sellers reported stronger sales. Stablecoins also serve as everyday money, with 27% of holders using them for routine payments and maintaining average balances near $200.
Adoption is strongest in emerging economies, where traditional money movement can be slow or unreliable. In these regions, 60% of crypto‑native respondents hold stablecoins, and Africa stands out with a 79% ownership rate. Users in high‑income countries hold larger balances, averaging around $1,000, but ownership rates remain lower at 45%. Many respondents said they made purchases specifically because merchants accepted stablecoins, with that figure reaching 60% in developing markets.
Demand for Better Integration
The report shows a strong interest in deeper integration with existing financial tools. Approximately 77% of respondents would open a stablecoin wallet with their primary bank or fintech provider, and 71% would like a debit card linked to their stablecoin balances. Users emphasized operational advantages such as lower fees, security, and global accessibility. While 42% of respondents want to use stablecoins for major purchases, only 28% currently do so, indicating unmet demand.
Stablecoins are pegged 1:1 to fiat currencies, helping maintain stability as adoption grows. According to DefiLlama, the market has expanded to $307.8 billion, up from $260.4 billion in July. BVNK’s report suggests that stablecoins are evolving into a global payment layer, offering practical solutions where traditional systems fall short.
