Stablecoin Adoption Surges as Majority of Users Plan to Increase Holdings

Stablecoins are shifting from trading tools to savings and payment rails, driven by emerging markets and freelancers.

Stablecoins are moving beyond crypto trading desks and into daily financial life. A growing share of users now hold dollar-pegged tokens for savings, payments, and income. New survey data from BVNK shows ownership is rising, and many users plan to hold more.

Stablecoin Ownership Rises as 54% of Users Hold Digital Dollars

Global research from BVNK, conducted with Coinbase and Artemis, finds stablecoins gaining ground as a core financial tool. Data comes from The Stablecoin Utility Report 2026, based on a YouGov survey of 4,658 adults across 15 countries. More than $300 billion in stablecoin market cap is now circulating across different sectors.

Stablecoins are digital assets pegged 1:1 to fiat currencies, often the U.S. dollar. Leading tokens in the markets include Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. According to DefiLlama, the combined supply stands near $300 billion.

Approximately 54% of respondents reported holding stablecoins in the past year. Among them, half increased their balances over that period. Looking ahead, 56% plan to acquire more within the next 12 months. Even among non-holders, 13% expect to buy for the first time.

On average, holders said they commit roughly one-third of total savings to crypto and stablecoins combined. Such figures suggest digital dollars are becoming part of long-term financial planning rather than short-term trades.

However, the adoption of fiat-pegged assets is not evenly distributed. Low- and middle-income economies reported higher ownership rates than high-income countries. Africa recorded the strongest forward intent to accumulate more stablecoins. The volatility of currencies and limited cross-border payment options in those countries appear to drive demand.

Merchant Adoption Fuels Stablecoin Payments Across Everyday Purchases

A report from Standard Chartered suggests as much as $1 trillion could move from emerging market bank deposits into U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins over time. That projection reflects rising trust in digital dollar instruments as a store of value.

Businesses that accept stablecoins influence consumer spending. About 52% of users said they chose to make a purchase because a store accepted fiat-pegged tokens. Many users also say they would spend more with stablecoins if more businesses accepted them, for both everyday purchases and larger purchases.

According to the report, many people are using stablecoins and not allowing them sit idle. Among holders, about 27% pay directly for goods and services with stablecoins. Another 45% convert tokens into local currency before spending. More than a quarter convert or spend within days of receiving funds, while roughly two-thirds do so within a few months.

Cross-Border Workers Report 40% Savings on Payment Fees

Freelancers and marketplace sellers who receive stablecoins report that tokens account for about 35% of annual income on average. Nearly three-quarters said stablecoins improved their ability to work with international clients. A similar share of marketplace sellers reported higher sales or expanded customer bases.

Moreover, respondents who receive crypto payments or remittances reported saving an average of 40% in fees. Lower fees, stronger security, and ease of international transfers ranked as the top reasons for choosing stablecoins.

However, users cited concerns that continue to hinder the adoption of stablecoins. Many users worry that payments cannot be reversed if money is sent to the wrong address. Losing access to a wallet or private keys is another major fear.

Managing wallets can feel complicated, especially for beginners. Choosing between different blockchains also adds confusion. Respondents want stablecoin payments to resemble mainstream systems, with clear fees and broader consumer protections.

At the same time, new rules could support further growth. In the United States, President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law to bring clearer oversight to dollar-backed stablecoins. Lawmakers are also working on wider crypto regulations that include stablecoins.

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