Cross-border payments and money transfers in stablecoins cost on average 40% less than transfers made through traditional financial services.
Analysts at BVNK, together with YouGov, Coinbase, and Artemis, conducted a joint study and published the Stablecoin Utility Report 2026. The key conclusion is that stablecoins are increasingly being used not as a speculative instrument but as a practical tool for payments and income generation.
The study surveyed 4,658 people across 15 countries who either already own cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, or plan to purchase them within the next 12 months.
Respondents who receive payments or transfers in crypto reported an average 40% reduction in fees compared to traditional payment services. The report notes that the average cost of sending $200 through international banking channels is 6.4%, and in some corridors, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, it exceeds 8%.
Beyond cost savings, users highlight transaction speed. More than a quarter of stablecoin holders (28%) spend or convert them within a few days of receiving them. In South Asia, this figure reaches 45%, while in Europe, it stands at 17%.
For some users, stablecoins became a key income channel. Among those receiving payments in stablecoins, about 35% of their annual income comes through this format. Among freelancers, 73% said that using cryptocurrencies overall expanded their ability to work with international clients, and 46% reported significant improvement in this regard. Among online marketplace sellers, 76% reported growth in sales volume or customer base after introducing crypto payments.
Over the past 12 months, 49% of holders increased their stablecoin balances, and 56% plan to acquire more over the next year. In low- and middle-income countries, ownership stands at 60%, compared to 45% in developed economies, while in Africa, the figure reaches 79%. On average, users are willing to hold around 34% of their savings in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
71% of respondents are willing to use a debit card linked to stablecoins, and 77% would open a crypto wallet within their bank or FinTech app if such an option were available. More than half of users (52%) already made a purchase from a merchant specifically because the merchant accepted stablecoins.
The report’s authors conclude that the main drivers behind stablecoin adoption are lower fees, security, and the convenience of international transactions. However, key challenges remain: transaction irreversibility, risk of fund loss, and payment process complexity. While the necessary infrastructure and demand already exist, broader merchant adoption, simplified user interfaces, and stronger consumer protection mechanisms are required for stablecoins to become a mainstream everyday payment tool.
For more data and insights on the stablecoin market in 2025, read the special analytical report at CP Media.
