Europeans now use crypto for groceries, dining and daily essentials

Crypto spending on everyday items has grown quickly in Europe, according to new data from OKX. The exchange’s recently launched OKX Card tracked purchases across the region during its first month. Users spent digital assets on groceries, dining, and daily essentials between late January and late February.

The findings align with wider trends among crypto card providers, showing a shift toward small, routine transactions. The dataset covered settled transactions from 28 January to 26 February in all live European Economic Area (EEA) markets. OKX stated the figures represent most daily spending activity within that period.

Restaurants and fast food outlets made up 18% of total spending across the region. Grocery stores and supermarkets followed closely, accounting for 26% of transactions. Country-specific patterns also emerged.

In Germany, online marketplaces dominated, representing 30% of purchases—well above the 13% EEA average. France stood out for bakery spending, with 5% of transactions compared to the 2% regional norm. Meanwhile, Poland saw higher in-person use for small purchases, with convenience stores at 16% and fuel stations at 9%.

The Netherlands recorded the highest grocery concentration, with supermarkets making up 37% of its transactions. Industry-wide data supports these trends, showing about 45% of crypto card payments under $10 and around 40% occurring online. The first month of OKX Card usage highlights how Europeans are integrating crypto into daily spending. Groceries, dining, and small purchases formed the bulk of transactions. These patterns reflect broader habits seen across other crypto payment providers in the region.