Stablecoin Adoption Surges As 56% Of Holders Plan To Increase Use In 2026 Report

Rabat – Stablecoins are moving beyond niche crypto circles and becoming embedded in everyday financial activity, according to Stablecoin Utility Report 2026, a survey of 4,658 adults across 15 countries conducted by BNVK using YouGov data.

The findings show that more than half of respondents, 54%, held stablecoins in the past 12 months, and 56% of current holders plan to acquire more in the year ahead. Among those who do not currently hold stablecoins, 13% intend to start.

Ownership is higher in low and middle income economies at 60% compared with 45% in high income markets. Africa stands out, with 79% reporting current or recent ownership and 76% expressing intent to acquire stablecoins in the next 12 months.

The report also finds that holdings are rising. Nearly half of holders, 49%, increased the amount they own over the past year, while 30% said their holdings remained the same.

Stablecoins are also taking on a more central role in personal finance. On average, respondents allocate 34% of their total savings to stablecoins and other crypto assets.

That share rises to 36% in low and middle income economies. While average balances remain under 200 dollars globally, respondents in high income economies report holding closer to 1,000 dollars in stablecoins.

Spending and payments move to the forefront

The survey suggests that stablecoins are being used for more than storage. Among holders, 45% convert stablecoins into local currency and 27% spend them directly on goods and services.

More than one in four, 28%, convert or spend their stablecoins within days of receiving them. Regional differences are significant. In South Asia, 45% convert immediately or within days, compared with 17% in Europe.

Demand for broader merchant acceptance remains strong. 71% of respondents say they would be likely to use a linked debit card to spend stablecoins, rising to 78% in low and middle income economies. More than half, 52%, report having made a purchase specifically because a business accepted stablecoins.

The report also highlights the role of stablecoins in cross border work and commerce. Among freelancers, gig workers and marketplace sellers who receive payments in stablecoins, the average share of annual income paid this way is 35%.

Nearly three quarters of freelancers surveyed, 73%, say stablecoins have improved their ability to work with international clients, while 76% of online sellers report improved sales volume or customer base.

Lower fees remain a primary driver. 30% cite lower transaction costs as a reason to use stablecoins over other payment methods, followed by security at 28% and the ability to use them internationally at 27%.

Those receiving payments in stablecoins report saving an average of 40% in fees compared with traditional remittance and payment services.

At the same time, users point to friction in the payment experience. 30% identify irreversible payments and the risk of losing funds as the most frustrating aspect, while 22% cite too many steps to complete a transaction. 16% say universal merchant acceptance would be the most important improvement.

The findings indicate that stablecoins are increasingly integrated into savings, spending and income flows across diverse markets, with adoption and usage patterns varying significantly by region and income level.

Read also: Crypto Trading Volumes Climb to $5.95 Trillion in January as Volatility Returns to Market

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