Features

10% of Americans Use Cryptocurrency — Highest Level Since 2022

Nana K.
19 May 2026 2 min read

Interestingly, interest in crypto was significantly higher among unbanked individuals. 

The US Federal Reserve has recorded a notable increase in interest in digital assets among the population. In 2025, approximately 10% of American adults used or invested in cryptocurrency. This is the highest level since 2022.

Hot topic: Bitcoin ETFs Lose $649M in Biggest Daily Outflow Since January

How Americans Used Cryptocurrencies Between 2021 and 2025. Source: US Federal Reserve.
How Americans Used Cryptocurrencies Between 2021 and 2025. Source: US Federal Reserve.
Contents
  1. 1.How Americans Use Crypto
  2. 2.Trump Administration Officials Actively Invest in Crypto
  3. 3.What Else Is Happening With Crypto in the US?

How Americans Use Crypto

According to the Fed’s Survey of Household Economic Wellbeing, the breakdown by use case is as follows:

  • Approximately 9% of respondents used crypto assets for investment purposes
  • Approximately 2% used crypto for payments
  • Approximately 1% used crypto for transfers to relatives or friends

Notably, unbanked individuals showed higher interest in digital assets: 6% compared to 2% among those with traditional bank accounts.

More than a quarter of those who paid with cryptocurrency noted that businesses themselves preferred this payment method due to speed, privacy, and lower fees.

Read more: SEC Prepares Exemption for Tokenized Stocks and Repeals “Gag Rule”

Trump Administration Officials Actively Invest in Crypto

Meanwhile, The Washington Post analyzed financial disclosures from members of the new administration. Approximately 70 officials, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several cabinet members, declared ownership of crypto assets or shares of related companies.

The total declared holdings are estimated at a minimum of $193M. The largest position was reported by U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Alan Howery at over $122M. President Trump declared at least $51M in crypto assets.

Read more: Donald Trump’s Crypto Portfolio — Here’s the List of the Companies Backed by the U.S. President

What Else Is Happening With Crypto in the US?

The rise in crypto interest coincides with a shift in regulatory approach. This week, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the new Fed chair. Warsh has previously spoken positively about bitcoin, calling it a tool for market discipline.

Learn more: Who Is Kevin Warsh? Trump’s New Pick Could Replace Jerome Powell As Fed Chair

Nana K.

Crypto journalist and content creator specializing in market analytics, regulatory developments, and the social impact of cryptocurrency. With experience at BeInCrypto and Cointelegraph, she covers both breaking news and creative…