The adoption of blockchain technology is accelerating, with crypto cards emerging as a key driver of real-world cryptocurrency use. WhiteBIT, Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by traffic, has reported over 1 million transactions with its Visa-enabled crypto card, WhiteBIT Nova, underscoring the growing role of digital assets in everyday spending. This milestone reflects a broader trend of increasing crypto adoption, as more consumers integrate digital currencies into their daily financial habits.
While traditional debit and credit cards continue to dominate global financial markets, crypto cards are rapidly gaining traction. These cards offer unique advantages, such as privacy-focused features, seamless cross-border transactions, and integration with cryptocurrency-based rewards. The global crypto credit card market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to grow exponentially, reaching $220.46 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.
One of the key benefits of crypto cards is their ability to instantly convert cryptocurrencies into fiat currency at the point of sale. This feature makes digital assets practical for everyday purchases, bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional finance.
WhiteBIT’s data reveals that its Nova card users are mirroring traditional spending habits, using their crypto for a wide range of purchases, from daily essentials to luxury goods. The most popular cryptocurrencies for transactions include USDC, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and WhiteBIT Coin (WBT).
Top brands accepting crypto payments through WhiteBIT Nova include Spotify, YouTube, Booking, KFC, Ryanair, and PlayStation. Luxury retailers such as Cartier, Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton have also seen significant engagement, processing over 5,000 transactions. Everyday spending categories dominate, with groceries, food, cafés, and subscriptions leading the way.
Cashback rewards are a major driver of crypto card adoption, with WhiteBIT Nova users benefiting from crypto cashback on various purchases. The most popular categories for cashback include groceries (22.8%), food and cafés (20.4%), and subscriptions (14.1%). Other notable categories include entertainment, gaming, travel, and wellness. BTC and WBT remain the leading options for cashback rewards, with a growing preference for WBT among users.
Shift toward virtual crypto cards
In line with global trends in digital payments, the majority of WhiteBIT Nova users prefer virtual cards over physical ones. Data shows that 88.52% of users opt for the virtual version, reflecting the increasing popularity of digital wallets. By 2026, the number of global digital wallet users is expected to reach 5.2 billion, representing over 60% of the global population.
The success of WhiteBIT Nova highlights how blockchain technology is integrating into the traditional financial system. With over 1 million transactions processed, the card demonstrates that cryptocurrencies are no longer limited to trading but are becoming a viable option for everyday consumer spending. This shift is further supported by the growing number of cryptocurrency owners worldwide, which now exceeds 560 million.
Founded in 2018, WhiteBIT is Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by traffic, offering over 730 trading pairs and supporting 330+ assets and 9 fiat currencies.
As crypto cards like WhiteBIT Nova continue to gain popularity, they are playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional finance, paving the way for a future where digital assets are seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
