One in four U.S. adults holds cryptocurrency... "90% respond they will buy more next year"

▲ U.S., Cryptocurrency Investment/AI Generated Image

The number of cryptocurrency holders in the U.S. has exceeded 67 million. A survey found that 90% of them plan to make additional purchases next year. It is analyzed that the demand for digital assets in the U.S. is expanding into lifestyle use, as cryptocurrency ownership is spreading across occupations, generations, and regions, not just confined to specific income brackets or age groups.

NewsBitcoin reported on May 21 (local time), citing the National Cryptocurrency Association's 2026 Cryptocurrency Holder Status Report, that one in four U.S. adults, more than 67 million people, own cryptocurrency. According to the report, 12 million Americans newly entered the cryptocurrency market in one year.

The composition of new buyers has also changed. Among those who purchased cryptocurrency in the last year, the proportion of women was 42%, higher than 34% for existing holders. Adults aged 18 to 24 accounted for 18% of recent buyers, and those aged 55 and over accounted for 28%. This indicates that cryptocurrency ownership is spreading beyond a young investor-centric phenomenon to various generations.

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association from February 12 to March 3, 2026. The survey targeted 10,000 U.S. adults who identified as cryptocurrency holders, and the results were calculated by applying weighting to estimate the total cryptocurrency-holding population in the U.S. The margin of error was ±0.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Future demand also appeared strong. 90% of cryptocurrency holders said they expect to purchase cryptocurrency within the next year. 72% stated they plan to spend cryptocurrency, and 65% responded they plan to send it to friends or family. The proportion of holders who actually use cryptocurrency increased from 80% in 2025 to 87% in 2026.

Use cases were not limited to investment. The proportion who sent money to friends and family was 41%, and the proportion who used it to purchase goods and services was 40%. More than half of the respondents planning additional purchases expected to buy up to $5,000 worth of cryptocurrency in the next year.

The spread was also confirmed in occupation and income distribution. Among employed holders, those in the technology sector were the most numerous at 18%, but the combined proportion of those in construction and manufacturing reached 21%. More than half of holders had household incomes under $150,000, and 23% had incomes under $75,000. Regionally, the South accounted for the largest share at 38%.

Trust levels also appeared high compared to traditional finance. 69% of holders said they trust cryptocurrency, while 65% reported trusting traditional banks. Three-quarters of respondents rated cryptocurrency as a verified and trustworthy asset. However, 72% expressed concerns about fraud and security issues.

77% of respondents said cryptocurrency had a positive impact on their lives, while only 3% reported a negative impact. The most significant factor for increasing trust was enhanced transparency at 49%, followed by real-world use cases and integration with traditional finance, both at 42%. As the U.S. cryptocurrency market expands beyond investment demand to payments, remittances, and daily life applications, regulatory clarity and security confidence have emerged as key variables that will determine future adoption rates.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*