Crypto Adoption in 2025: Payments and AI

Key Findings from the Reown Report

Reown launched its report titled “The State of Onchain UX” primarily based on a survey of 1,038 lively crypto users. These customers are from the US and the UK, and the survey came about in February 2025.

Right here’s what the customers imagine will drive mass adoption:

As seen within the desk above, funds lead the checklist. Many customers now use crypto not simply to commerce but additionally to pay for issues. Actually, 54% of the surveyed customers use crypto for real-world funds. That’s a robust signal that individuals are beginning to belief it extra for on a regular basis use.

Rise of Stablecoins and Pockets Utilization

Stablecoins, that are digital property tied to steady currencies just like the U.S. greenback, are gaining recognition. Final 12 months, solely 20% of customers mentioned they used stablecoins. This 12 months, the quantity jumped to 37%.

Pockets utilization can also be rising. On common, customers now handle extra wallets than they did in 2024. Many do that for higher safety. Round 44% now use a number of wallets – up from 32.8% final 12 months.

AI’s Function in Crypto Adoption

Artificial intelligence is one other space customers are enthusiastic about. Round 35% imagine AI will assist drive crypto adoption. Nevertheless, opinions are blended on the subject of how effectively AI and blockchain can work collectively:

• 29% imagine AI and blockchain will complement one another.
• Solely 18% suppose crypto will play a key position in AI’s development.

So whereas there may be curiosity on this space, there’s additionally uncertainty.

Regulation and Authorities Involvement

Authorities help performs an enormous position too. Since President Donald Trump returned to workplace, regulation has grow to be a key matter. The SEC created a crypto activity power, and Chairman Paul Atkins has labeled crypto regulation a prime precedence.

This authorities focus appears to spice up consumer confidence:

• 86% imagine regulation will help mainstream adoption.
• Solely 14% fear it’d gradual innovation.

Main Limitations to Widespread Adoption

Even with rising curiosity, some hurdles stay. Customers highlighted these primary limitations:

Whereas 69% of customers now really feel safer utilizing crypto in comparison with 50.5% final 12 months, phishing assaults are growing. Stories of phishing rose from 14.4% to 21%. These numbers present that whereas confidence is rising, dangers nonetheless exist.

Interoperability is one other key situation. Many blockchains don’t work effectively with one another. This makes it exhausting for customers to maneuver property throughout platforms. About 47% say higher interoperability is essential. Nonetheless, solely 14% see it as one of many prime issues that have to be solved.

What Must Change?

The report concludes that crypto should grow to be extra sensible to draw new customers. Builders ought to deal with:

• Reducing transaction charges
• Making platforms safer
• Bettering consumer expertise
• Constructing real-world use instances like cost and social apps

Curiously, there may be nonetheless a niche between what customers anticipate and the way they use crypto in the present day. Many nonetheless focus primarily on buying and selling, regardless that they need apps that make on a regular basis life simpler.

The crypto house is rising past buying and selling. Payments, AI, and regulation are pushing it ahead. Nevertheless, issues like excessive charges, safety dangers, and poor interoperability have to be addressed.

With 67% of customers feeling optimistic, the longer term seems vibrant. If the trade focuses on actual wants, the following wave of adoption is perhaps nearer than we predict.