Spending through Visa-linked crypto cards surged in 2025, signaling a shift in how digital assets are being used for everyday payments rather than speculation.

Data from Dune Analytics shows that net spending across six major crypto cards issued in partnership with Visa climbed from $14.6 million at the start of the year to $91.3 million by December, marking a 525% increase over twelve months.

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The cards are issued by a mix of crypto payment platforms and decentralized finance projects, including GnosisPay, Cypher, EtherFi, Avici Money, Exa App and Moonwell. Together, they offer users the ability to spend crypto or stablecoins directly at merchants that accept Visa, effectively bridging onchain assets with traditional point-of-sale systems.

Among the group, EtherFi emerged as the clear leader. Its Visa-backed card recorded $55.4 million in total spending during the year, more than double that of Cypher, which ranked second with $20.5 million. The remaining platforms accounted for smaller but steadily growing volumes, underscoring broader adoption across the ecosystem.

Researchers tracking the data said the growth reflects more than just curiosity-driven usage. According to Polygon researcher Alex Obchakevich, the increase in spending shows crypto cards are becoming a practical payment tool rather than a niche experiment. He noted that stablecoins, in particular, are playing a central role by allowing users to transact without the volatility traditionally associated with cryptocurrencies.

Stablecoins take center stage in Visa’s crypto strategy

Visa’s growing crypto card volumes come as the payments giant deepens its commitment to stablecoin infrastructure. Over the past year, Visa has expanded stablecoin support across four blockchain networks, aiming to make digital dollars easier to use for both consumers and institutions.

The company has also ramped up partnerships with crypto-native firms and fintechs, positioning itself as a core settlement layer for onchain payments. In December, Visa launched a dedicated stablecoin advisory team tasked with helping banks, merchants and payment providers design, issue and manage stablecoin-based products.

That push suggests Visa expects crypto card usage to continue rising in 2026, particularly as regulatory clarity improves and stablecoins gain wider acceptance for remittances, commerce and cross-border payments.

Visa crypto card net spend graph. Source: Dune Analytics

From experimentation to everyday spending

The rapid rise in crypto card spending points to a broader evolution in the digital asset market. While trading and speculation still dominate headlines, payment data shows a growing segment of users is treating crypto as a functional part of daily finance.

By abstracting away wallet complexity and leveraging familiar Visa rails, crypto cards are lowering the barrier for real-world usage. For Visa, the trend reinforces its long-term strategy of integrating blockchain-based assets into existing financial infrastructure rather than competing with it.