By Ali Tager, Vice President of External Affairs, National Cryptocurrency Association

Sixty-seven million Americans, or one in four adults, now hold crypto. Despite crypto's established presence, there's still misinformation and confusion about the technology.

Everyday people and businesses are using these digital tools for practical, real-world purposes like sending money to friends and family, accepting payments, donating to charity, or paying for goods and services.

Our latest research shows that crypto is becoming mainstream, moving from a novel concept into an everyday financial tool.

1. Crypto is being adopted by everyday Americans

Crypto isn't just for tech bros or the financial elite. Instead, holders reflect the everyday American in a variety of ways:

• Nearly a quarter of holders make $75,000 or less per year
• They are just as likely to work in construction as in technology
• 18% of new holders are between 18 and 24 years old, and 28% are 55 or older
• Women account for 42% of new crypto holders

Karin is one of those women. She was an unbanked, middle-class housewife who was financially cut-off, until she taught herself to trade crypto. She used crypto to rebuild her finances and secure a future for herself and her children. Crypto became a lifeline for her, and helped her achieve financial sovereignty and freedom. Traditional financial systems hadn't worked for her, but crypto did.

2. Crypto supports financial independence

For millions of Americans, crypto is a practical tool that fits directly into daily life. More than half of holders say using digital assets has increased their financial independence, including Jake, a small business owner in California.

His dream was to manage his businesses and have time to spend with his family. With crypto, he can access his finances whenever, wherever. Crypto gave him more autonomy over his own life and finances, and he treats it as part of the future he's building for his kids.

Jake isn't alone. For many holders, it comes down to basic convenience and personal agency.

3. The crypto industry is driving broader economic growth

Crypto supports approximately 232,000 jobs across the U.S., spanning customer service, trucking, healthcare and more. Crypto jobs are creating $55 billion in economic activity and $31 billion in worker income each year. When more people can fully participate in financial systems, more economic activity is created for individuals, local businesses and communities.

Clayton, a master plumber in Texas, runs his family's 80-year-old company. After doing his own research over 10 years ago, he decided to enter the crypto space. Over time, crypto naturally became integrated into his company, and he now accepts it alongside cards, checks and cash. Offering crypto at checkout gives customers more choice, just like the card reader did years ago.

4. Clear education is essential for the future

Crypto has become a gateway into financial literacy more broadly. More than half of holders cited learning and personal growth as a benefit, up from 45% the year before — a growing signal that engaging with crypto is teaching people more about their finances overall. Expanding plain-language educational resources and practical learning tools is essential to lowering these hurdles, demystifying the technology, and empowering everyday individuals to participate in the digital economy with confidence.

5. Regulatory clarity and consumer protection

Alongside accessible education, establishing smart consumer safeguards will be fundamental to building long-term trust, safety and stability in digital finance. Nearly three-quarters of current holders (73%) believe it's important for the U.S. to become the global leader in crypto. The same number want stronger consumer protections measures for people investing in, holding or using crypto. American crypto holders want to navigate digital asset tools safely, securely and transparently, with 71% of today's holders asking for comprehensive legislation that addresses gaps in current law.

Establishing thoughtful, common-sense frameworks provides the structural clarity needed to protect consumers while encouraging responsible innovation.

How to learn more about crypto

NCA helps make sense of crypto by sharing real stories from everyday people and small businesses from across the country, providing educational resources, and offering guidance and support.

If you're ready to learn more, explore our free guides, educational tools and real-world stories at NCA.org/resources.