In 2025, crypto adoption has been largely fueled by two key forces: the growing use of cryptocurrencies for payments and the integration of artificial intelligence, according to new research from Reown in collaboration with public opinion firm YouGov.
The study, which included responses from over 1,000 crypto users in both the U.S. and U.K., found that 37% of participants identified AI and payments as the primary factors accelerating crypto’s mainstream acceptance.
Payments Lead the Way in Real-World Usage
Crypto payments saw notable growth compared to the previous year, with 34% of those surveyed reporting active participation in crypto-based transactions. While still trailing behind trading activity, payments have surpassed other DeFi practices like staking and yield farming.
Looking ahead, 27% of respondents believe that payments will become the dominant onchain experience over the next three to five years—a sign that confidence is growing in crypto’s ability to provide practical utility in everyday life.
AI and Payments: Tackling Usability from Different Angles
Reown CEO Jess Houlgrave emphasized that artificial intelligence and payments are addressing different dimensions of the same issue—making crypto both practical and user-friendly.
“AI and payments aren’t competing—they’re working together,” Houlgrave explained. “Payments bring the demand, while AI makes the system easier and more reliable.”
AI is enhancing user experiences through features like fraud prevention, tailored interfaces, and responsive support. For developers, it simplifies processes such as onboarding, automation, and auditing.
Houlgrave added that one of the main reasons adoption is accelerating is that crypto payments are finally reaching a level of functionality that suits real-life needs, including cross-border remittances and gig economy payouts. “We’re moving past the demo phase,” she said, “and entering the infrastructure phase.”
Employers and Consumers Are Embracing Crypto
Mercuryo CEO Petr Kozyakov recently pointed out that more companies are now using crypto to pay their employees. As this trend spreads, individuals are increasingly looking for ways to spend their earnings directly in crypto, further boosting adoption.
Trading Still Reigns, But Payments Gain Traction
Despite the rise of crypto payments, trading remains the most popular onchain activity—36% of users surveyed cited it as their favorite. However, payments now rank second, with 10% naming them as the most enjoyable activity and 14% expressing the most excitement for payments going forward.
“Payments onchain are becoming mainstream,” said Houlgrave. “From international remittances to stablecoin-backed financial services, the foundation is finally catching up with crypto’s original vision.”
She highlighted that Bitcoin’s white paper outlined a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, designed for global and trustless transactions—something we’re now beginning to see take shape.
Stablecoins Overtake Solana in Popularity
The report also revealed insights into asset ownership. Bitcoin remains the top-held crypto, with 63% ownership among participants, followed by Ethereum at 48%. Interestingly, stablecoins have now edged past Solana, with 38% of users holding stablecoins compared to 37% who hold SOL.
Stablecoins are especially popular with younger users—over half (51%) of those aged 18–34 report holding them. Adoption is notably lower among those aged 45 and up.
Reown concluded that the demand for flexible, multichain user experiences is rising fast. Users want to interact with crypto directly from where their assets are—be it in wallets or exchanges—without unnecessary complexity.
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