Crypto-linked payment cards running on Visa’s global network saw a sharp rise in real-world usage in 2025, with net spending increasing more than fivefold over the year. The figures suggest that crypto cards are no longer just a bridge for enthusiasts, but an increasingly practical way to spend digital assets at the point of sale.
According to analysis cited by Cointelegraph, net spend across a group of Visa-linked crypto cards rose by around 525 percent during 2025. Aggregate monthly net spending climbed from roughly $14.6 million at the start of the year to more than $90 million by December, based on on-chain data.
The figures are drawn from a public dashboard on Dune Analytics compiled by Obchakevich Research, which tracks crypto card activity across multiple blockchains. The dashboard aggregates settlement and spending data from several crypto-native card programmes, offering a rare window into how often digital assets are being used for everyday purchases rather than held or traded.
From experiment to payment habit
One standout trend is concentration. A small number of crypto card programmes account for a large share of total spending. EtherFi’s Visa-linked card led the group in 2025, recording more than $55 million in net spend over the year, well ahead of other tracked cards.
While the absolute numbers remain small compared with traditional card payments, the growth rate is striking. Analysts following the data argue that the increase reflects improving user experience, wider stablecoin adoption, and better integration between crypto wallets and familiar payment rails.
For Visa, the data aligns with its broader strategy. The payments giant has steadily expanded its support for stablecoin settlement and blockchain-based payments, positioning itself as infrastructure rather than a gatekeeper. From the user’s perspective, the transaction still looks like a normal card payment, even if crypto or stablecoins sit behind the scenes.