The use of crypto cards has reached $18 billion dollars annually.

Cryptocurrency payment cards have become an unexpected game-changer in digital payments, with usage reaching an impressive $18 billion annually. This growing sector is transforming the way consumers use their stablecoins for everyday transactions, beyond simple investment holdings.

Data from Artemis research shows a dramatic increase in Crypto card usage over the past few years. In the first quarter of 2023, the monthly volume was only about $100 million. By the end of 2025, this figure had surpassed $1.5 billion per month, representing an astonishing 106% compound annual growth rate over the period.

The Global Landscape of Stablecoin Usage Across Regions

While USDT remains dominant in most markets worldwide, a significant pattern emerges in the geographic distribution of usage. Two countries stand out as true outliers in the global stablecoin ecosystem.

In India, USDC usage has reached 47.4% of all stablecoin transactions, nearly matching USDT’s market share. Similarly, in Argentina, USDC accounts for 46.6% of usage, making it one of the most important markets for Circle’s stablecoin. This pattern reflects different economic dynamics and user preferences across regions.

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing crypto markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past 12 months ending mid-2025, the country received $338 billion in inflows, representing a 4,800% growth over five years.

Why Crypto Cards Win in Daily Usage Versus Direct Stablecoin Transfers

Although many merchants are interested in accepting direct stablecoin payments, the use of Crypto cards continues to rise as the more practical solution. The main reason is simple: cards operate on existing Visa and Mastercard infrastructure, meaning no new system integration is needed for merchants.

By the end of 2025, Visa-linked stablecoin card settlements are projected to reach $3.5 billion annually, accounting for roughly 19% of total Crypto card volume. This figure demonstrates how card payment usage is growing faster compared to peer-to-peer stablecoin transfers, which only increased by 5% over the same period.

Traditional payment networks benefit from their established merchant relationships and infrastructure. Nearly all major acquirers now support Crypto cards, making it a seamless option for consumers wanting to use blockchain-based assets for regular shopping.

Visa Domination in the Crypto Card Ecosystem

Market concentration is another interesting trend in on-chain payment card usage. Visa captures over 90% of all on-chain card volume through strategic partnerships with crypto-native infrastructure providers. This dominance reflects the network effects of an established payment system and the ecosystem built around it.

Mastercard continues to develop its own partnerships, but the use of Visa-based cards remains a significant majority in the market. This dynamic shows how traditional payment leaders are adapting to the crypto economy.

The Crypto card ecosystem now operates almost like traditional banking payment systems, with card issuers and program managers functioning under Visa and Mastercard frameworks. This model ensures compliance, security, and mainstream merchant acceptance.

The Future of Stablecoin Usage in Retail Transactions

The trajectory of Crypto card usage indicates deeper integration of digital assets into everyday economic activity. From $100 million monthly volume to the $1.5 billion milestone, this journey proves growing consumer comfort with using blockchain-based currencies for daily purchases.

This pattern is not just about technology—it’s about accessibility and practicality. Ordinary people have learned that using Crypto cards is simpler than navigating complex DEX interfaces or peer-to-peer settlement processes. This simplicity will continue to drive sustained sector growth.

As stablecoin payments become more widespread, we will see how payment networks, merchants, and regulators adapt to the evolving landscape of digital asset integration into retail commerce.