Stablecoins are increasingly being used not just for trading, but for wages and everyday transactions, according to new survey data commissioned by payments infrastructure firm BVNK.

A global study conducted by YouGov across 15 countries found that 39% of crypto users and prospective users now receive income in stablecoins, while 27% use them for routine payments. Lower transaction fees and faster cross-border transfers were cited as the main drivers behind adoption.

Related reporting: Africa Sees World’s Highest Stablecoin Conversion Spreads as Liquidity Gaps Persist

The findings, based on responses from 4,658 adults surveyed in September and October 2025, suggest stablecoins are evolving from speculative instruments into functional payment tools — particularly in emerging markets.

Emerging markets lead adoption surge

Stablecoin ownership was significantly higher in middle- and lower-income economies. About 60% of respondents in these regions said they hold stablecoins, compared with 45% in high-income economies. Africa recorded the highest ownership rate at 79% and the strongest reported growth in holdings over the past year.

Globally, users hold an average of roughly $200 in stablecoins, though balances in high-income countries average closer to $1,000. Among those receiving income in stablecoins, the assets account for around 35% of annual earnings on average.

Cost savings also appear meaningful. Respondents using stablecoins for cross-border transfers reported cutting remittance fees by roughly 40% compared with traditional methods — a key factor in regions where transfer costs remain high.

Spending appetite is rising. More than half of crypto holders said they made a purchase specifically because a merchant accepted stablecoins. In emerging markets, that figure climbed to 60%. While 28% currently use stablecoins for major or lifestyle purchases, 42% said they want to do so in the future.

Users diversify across multiple tokens

The study focused on crypto users and those planning to enter the market, rather than the general population. According to BVNK, respondents typically hold a mix of dollar- and euro-pegged tokens rather than relying on a single issuer, suggesting users are diversifying stablecoin exposure.

When it comes to custody preferences, exchanges remain the most popular option, chosen by 46% of respondents. Payment apps with crypto functionality, such as PayPal or Venmo, followed at 40%, while 39% preferred mobile crypto wallets. Only 13% favored hardware wallets, indicating convenience often outweighs maximum self-custody security for many users.

The data also points to strong institutional potential. About 77% said they would open a stablecoin wallet with their primary bank or fintech provider if offered, and 71% expressed interest in using a debit card linked to stablecoin balances.

Regulation accelerates payroll integration

The rise in usage coincides with clearer regulatory frameworks in major markets. The US GENIUS Act and the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation have helped formalize stablecoin oversight, giving enterprises greater confidence to integrate them into payment systems.

Global payroll platform Deel recently announced it will offer stablecoin salary payouts through a partnership with MoonPay, initially rolling out in the UK and EU before expanding to the United States. Meanwhile, Paystand’s acquisition of cross-border payout platform Bitwage reflects growing enterprise demand for digital asset settlement.

Stablecoins’ appeal lies in their price stability. Pegged 1:1 to fiat currencies such as the US dollar or euro, they offer predictability that volatile cryptocurrencies cannot. The market’s growth reflects that utility. According to DefiLlama, total stablecoin supply has reached $307.8 billion, up from $260.4 billion around the time the US GENIUS Act was enacted.

As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure matures, stablecoins appear to be shifting from crypto-native tools to broader financial rails for payments, payroll and global commerce.

Stablecoin market cap. Source: DefiLlama