Members of Generation Z are more likely than other age groups to use cryptocurrency for everyday expenses. Older users prefer to spend digital assets on large purchases, according to a survey by Bitget Wallet.
Bitget Wallet conducted a survey of 4,599 people from three generations to learn more about age differences in consumer habits.
The survey found that young adults (aged 18–29) most actively spend cryptocurrencies on gaming (36%) and on everyday expenses and travel bookings (35%). Millennials (aged 30–44) use virtual assets for a variety of purchases, from subscriptions to airline tickets. Generation X (aged 45–60) prefers large purchases: 40% use digital assets to buy expensive appliances and even real estate.
“QR codes for small businesses and card integration for large retailers allow crypto payments to fit into mainstream consumer habits while avoiding the complexities of exchanges,” said Bitget Wallet Chief Marketing Officer Jamie Elkale, speaking to Cointelegraph.
Regional Highlights
In Southeast Asia, 41% of users spend cryptocurrencies on games and gifts.
In East Asia, everyday purchases and digital goods are most popular, also at 41%—the highest rate globally.
In Africa, 38% use cryptocurrencies to pay for education, mostly via cross-border transfers due to poor banking infrastructure.
In Latin America, 38% purchase digital goods, while another 35% shop online.
In the Middle East, luxury spending is common: 31% use virtual assets for expensive goods, and 29% for cars.
Where Can You Pay with Cryptocurrency?
As of 2025, only two countries have legally permitted citizens to pay with bitcoin: El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR), according to CoinMarketCap.
In the United States and many European Union countries, cryptocurrencies can be used with certain companies, but they are not considered official means of payment. For example, in the United States, bitcoin is accepted by Tesla, PayPal, and Microsoft. In Europe, some stores and services accept crypto payments via platforms like BitPay.
Thailand is currently testing a pilot program to allow tourists to pay with digital assets nationwide. Bhutan has already launched a similar initiative, with the local government introducing the Binance Pay service to accept cryptocurrencies in the tourism industry.
