Last updated on March 8th, 2026 at 06:16 pm
Stablecoins are no longer just a crypto experiment. A new global survey from BVNK, conducted with YouGov and in partnership with Coinbase and Artemis, shows that more people around the world are using stablecoins to get paid, make purchases, and move money faster and cheaper.
The survey polled 4,600 crypto users across 15 countries, revealing a significant shift in behaviour. About 39% of respondents said they now receive income in stablecoins, including salaries, freelance payments, and cross-border work. On average, stablecoins make up roughly a third of these users’ annual earnings. Three-quarters of those getting paid in stablecoins reported improved international business opportunities, while marketplace sellers noted higher sales volumes.
We surveyed 4,658 stablecoin holders and prospective users across 15 countries to understand how people use stablecoins, with @YouGov @coinbase @artemis
What emerged: willingness to use stablecoins is ahead of real-world spendability.
The next growth unlock is acceptance and… pic.twitter.com/DAeAvdEjI9
— BVNK (@BVNKFinance) February 17, 2026
Stablecoins as daily currency
The survey also shows that stablecoins are being used for everyday payments. Around 27% of holders report using stablecoins to pay for goods and services, keeping an average of $200 in their wallets for daily spending. Over half of respondents said they bought something specifically because the merchant accepted stablecoins, with usage even higher in emerging markets.
Demand for easier access is clear. Seventy-seven percent said they would open a stablecoin wallet if their bank or fintech provider offered one, and 71% showed interest in using linked debit cards for spending.
Global adoption trends
Adoption is strongest in South America, Africa, and Asia, where moving money can be slow, expensive, or unreliable. In Africa, 79% of crypto users reported holding stablecoins. Meanwhile, developed economies like the U.S., UK, and Europe are increasingly exploring stablecoins to modernize payments, with 45% of users holding them and average balances around $1,000.
BVNK co-founder Chris Harmse said,
“Stablecoins are solving real-world problems. People are getting paid and spending faster, safer, and cheaper, and now they want their existing financial tools to integrate them.”
Notably, Stablecoins are shifting from a niche crypto tool to an essential part of the digital asset economy. They are attracting more attention from regulators, policymakers, and global financial institutions.
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