A global survey of 4,658 crypto users shows stablecoins are becoming more common for salaries and everyday spending, especially in emerging markets. The study, commissioned by BVNK and conducted by YouGov across 15 countries, found that 39% of respondents receive some income in stablecoins, while 27% use them for daily payments, pointing to lower fees and faster international transfers as the main reasons.
The research, carried out online in September and October 2025 among adults who already own or plan to buy cryptocurrency, found that users hold about $200 in stablecoins on average worldwide. In higher-income economies, average balances are closer to $1,000. Around 77% said they would open a stablecoin wallet with their main bank or fintech app if it were available, and 71% expressed interest in using a debit card linked to their stablecoin balance.
Respondents who receive pay in stablecoins said the assets make up about 35% of their yearly income on average. Those sending money across borders reported saving roughly 40% in fees compared with traditional remittance services. More than half of crypto holders said they have made a purchase specifically because a business accepted stablecoins, rising to 60% in emerging markets.
Ownership rates were higher in middle- and lower-income economies, where 60% of respondents said they hold stablecoins, compared with 45% in wealthier countries. Africa recorded the highest ownership level at 79% and the strongest growth in holdings over the past year.
BVNK said the study focused on existing and potential crypto users rather than the general population. It also noted that many respondents hold several dollar- or euro-pegged tokens instead of relying on a single issuer. Exchange platforms were the most popular place to manage stablecoins, followed by payment apps with crypto features and mobile wallet apps, while only 13% preferred hardware wallets.
The findings come as stablecoins move deeper into regulated finance. New rules in the United States and Europe are helping companies add digital-asset payroll options, with platforms like Deel planning to roll out stablecoin salary payments through MoonPay. Industry activity is also growing, highlighted by Paystand’s recent acquisition of cross-border payroll platform Bitwage.
Stablecoins, which are usually pegged 1:1 to currencies like the US dollar or euro, are seen as more practical for payments than highly volatile cryptocurrencies. Data from DefiLlama shows the stablecoin market has reached about $307.8 billion, up from $260.4 billion in mid-2025.
Featured image from: cointelegraph.com