Editorial staff
1.From Speculation to Spending: The Shift in Crypto Use
Approximately 28% of American adults now own cryptocurrency, representing about 65 million people. This marks substantial growth from just 15% ownership in 2021. What's changed isn't just the number of owners but how they're using digital assets. Instead of purely holding crypto as investment vehicles, more consumers are exploring its utility for real-world purchases. Recent regulatory developments have accelerated this shift, with the GENIUS Act establishing clear federal oversight for stablecoin issuers in July 2025. This legislation gives consumer protections and institutional clarity that make businesses more comfortable accepting crypto payments. The regulatory environment continues evolving to support practical cryptocurrency applications besides speculative trading.
2. Where You Can Use Crypto Today for Essentials
Major retailers are progressively integrating cryptocurrency payment options. Walmart's One Pay system expansion represents large-scale retail adoption, allowing customers to use digital currencies at thousands of locations. Grocery chains, utility companies, and service providers continue to accept crypto payments either directly or through payment processors that instantly convert cryptocurrency to fiat currency. International remittances are another practical use case, with crypto transfers often completing faster and cheaper than traditional wire services. Beyond point-of-sale payments, consumers can also convert cash to crypto via a Bitcoin ATM in many cities, bridging the gap between physical money and digital currency. These machines provide immediate access to cryptocurrency without requiring bank accounts or waiting for exchange transfers.
3. Crypto Infrastructure in the U.S.: ATMs, Kiosks, and Networks
The U.S. hosts over 30,000 Bitcoin ATMs as of early 2025, which is 81% of the global market. This network expanded by approximately 6% in 2024, adding more than 1,000 machines across the country. Cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston lead in installations, making cryptocurrency more accessible in urban and suburban areas. This physical infrastructure allows consumers unfamiliar with online exchanges to acquire digital currency using cash, similar to traditional ATM experiences. However, the growth hasn't been uniform because regulatory pressures in some jurisdictions have led to temporary declines, while other regions continue expanding. The ATM network's resilience through crypto market volatility shows persistent consumer demand for accessible on-ramps to digital currency.
4. Risks, Scams & Consumer Protections
The Federal Trade Commission reports rising fraud involving Bitcoin ATMs, with losses exceeding $114 million as scammers exploit these machines for irreversible transactions. Older adults prove particularly vulnerable to schemes where criminals impersonate government officials or tech support, directing victims to deposit cash at crypto ATMs. Unlike traditional banking fraud protections, cryptocurrency transactions typically cannot be reversed once completed. To protect yourself, never send cryptocurrency based on unsolicited calls or messages, ignore demands for payment via Bitcoin ATM, verify recipient addresses carefully, and use reputable exchanges with established security practices. The new stablecoin regulations aim to improve consumer confidence by guaranteeing reserve backing and redemption rights, though users must remain vigilant against scams that exploit the technology's irreversibility.
As cryptocurrency infrastructure matures and regulations provide clearer frameworks, digital currency continues its gradual integration into everyday American financial life and brings both opportunities for convenient transactions and responsibilities for informed, cautious usage.
Editorial staff
