Payment volume processed on crypto cards has reached a record $12.5 billion, representing a 140% increase year-to-date, according to data from paymentscan.xyz, as shared by The Kobeissi Letter. This surge is largely attributed to the increasing use of stablecoins as a payment rail and a broader demand for more efficient cross-border transactions.
Key takeaways
- Crypto card payment volume reached a record $12.5 billion, up 140% year-to-date.
- This figure is 247% higher than levels recorded in October 2025.
- The growth is driven by stablecoin adoption for payments and demand for faster cross-border transactions.
- New offerings like the Fold Bitcoin Credit Card and Aven Bitcoin Visa Card provide options for earning bitcoin rewards or borrowing against bitcoin holdings.
Record Growth in Crypto Card Payments
The total volume of payments processed on crypto cards has hit an unprecedented $12.5 billion. This marks a significant 140% increase since the beginning of the year, according to data from Bitcoin Magazine, citing paymentscan.xyz and The Kobeissi Letter. The growth is even more pronounced when compared to the previous year, showing a 247% rise from levels recorded in October 2025.
This substantial increase highlights a growing integration of digital assets into conventional spending. The Kobeissi Letter attributes this surge to the expanding use of stablecoins as a payment rail, alongside a general push for more cost-effective and quicker cross-border transactions. QR-code payments have also contributed to this trend, with demand for QR-based spending driving a 55% quarter-over-quarter increase in activated cards on Jupiter Spend, a major on-chain card provider.
New Offerings Reshape the Crypto Card Landscape
The growing demand for crypto cards has attracted major players to the space. Fold Holdings (NASDAQ: FLD) announced earlier this year the launch of its Fold Bitcoin Credit Card. This card, which operates on the Visa network and is powered by Stripe Issuing, is accepted at 175 million merchants.
The Fold card offers a base reward of 1.5% back in bitcoin, with potential increases up to 4% through behavior-based boosts and partner offers. Cardholders who opt to pay their bill in bitcoin receive an additional 0.5% back. This model provides an incentive for users to earn and hold bitcoin through their everyday spending.
Leveraging Bitcoin Without Selling: The Aven Approach
Aven has introduced a different approach with its Aven Bitcoin Visa Card, unveiled at the Bitcoin Conference 2026 in Las Vegas. This card allows holders to borrow up to $1 million against their bitcoin holdings without requiring them to sell their assets. Loan rates start at 7.99% APR, with repayment terms extending up to 10 years.
The collateral for these loans is held by BitGo, and Coastal Community Bank issues the card. This option caters to Bitcoin holders who wish to access liquidity from their assets while maintaining their long-term holdings, providing a flexible financial tool.
Why This Matters for Bitcoin Holders
The record-breaking volume in crypto card payments signals a maturing ecosystem where digital assets are becoming increasingly practical for daily transactions. For Bitcoin holders, this trend means more avenues to utilize their assets, whether for direct spending, earning rewards, or accessing credit. The emergence of cards like Fold's, which offer bitcoin rewards, can enhance a holder's bitcoin stack through regular purchases.
Furthermore, solutions like Aven's provide a way for holders to leverage their Bitcoin as collateral for loans, offering financial flexibility without liquidating their assets. This development is crucial for those who view Bitcoin as a long-term investment but also require access to capital. As the market for crypto cards expands, holders can expect more diverse and competitive options to manage their digital wealth.
What to Watch Next
The continued growth in crypto card payments suggests a broader acceptance and utility for digital assets in the mainstream economy. Investors should monitor the adoption rates of these new card offerings and how they impact overall transaction volumes. The role of stablecoins as a payment rail, as highlighted by The Kobeissi Letter, will also be a key factor to observe, particularly in cross-border transactions.
The expansion of companies like Fold and Aven into this space indicates a competitive market that could lead to more innovative products and features for users. Regulatory developments around crypto cards and stablecoins will also be important to track, as they could influence the future growth and accessibility of these payment solutions. (Stripe to Expand Stablecoin Cards to Over 100 Countries)