Romania, Poland and Hungary top crypto payment adoption in EU
Crypto payment adoption in EU
Romania, Poland, and Hungary have emerged as the leading nations for cryptocurrency payment adoption in the European Union.
The study, which analyzed six months of transaction data, reveals that crypto payments are primarily used for retail purchases, food, and beverages—accounting for 70% of transactions on the platform, according to the Cryptopolitan.
Tether’s USDT is the preferred digital currency for these payments, making up 92% of all transactions. The average payment size remains modest, at $8.36, suggesting that consumers are using crypto for routine purchases rather than large expenses.
Government policies drive adoption
Regulatory environments appear to play a crucial role in crypto adoption. Romania leads in the number of active users, likely boosted by a recent tax amendment that exempts crypto investment income from taxation until mid-2025. The policy is designed to integrate digital assets more effectively into the national economy.
Poland ranks second in usage, supported by a regulatory framework that allows crypto exchanges to operate legally. The presence of cryptocurrency in mainstream political discussions has also contributed to rising adoption rates. Meanwhile, Hungary has taken steps toward comprehensive regulation, with new laws enabling banks to offer digital asset services under state oversight.
Beyond everyday purchases, travel and accommodation services make up the second-largest category of crypto spending in the EU, comprising 26% of transactions. The findings highlight a growing trend of stablecoin adoption for practical, day-to-day transactions, particularly in countries with clear regulatory support.
As Europe continues to refine its approach to digital assets, the rapid expansion of crypto payments in Romania, Poland, and Hungary underscores the importance of regulatory clarity in driving mainstream adoption.
Meanwhile, European crypto exchanges will remove non-compliant stablecoins ahead of the EU's MiCA deadline. Because of this, Coinbase delisted Tether (USDT) and five others on December 13, 2024, but will keep supporting USD Coin and EURC.
