NCA Report Finds More Than 67 Million Americans Now Own Crypto
The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a non-profit organization focused on helping Americans better understand and use cryptocurrency, has released its 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, revealing continued acceleration in crypto adoption across the United States.
According to the report, more than 67 million Americans now own cryptocurrency, representing an increase of 12 million holders compared to 2025. The study, conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll, surveyed 10,000 U.S. cryptocurrency holders between February 12 and March 3, 2026.
The findings suggest crypto is increasingly becoming part of everyday financial activity rather than remaining solely an investment vehicle. Americans are using digital assets to send money to family and friends, pay for goods and services online and in physical stores, support businesses, and even make charitable donations. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 63%, reported greater interest in crypto this year compared to 2025.
“Crypto is an increasing part of the lives of everyday Americans who are using it to save, spend, donate, and power their businesses,” said Stuart Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association. “Last year we found one in five U.S. adults were holding crypto, and now it’s up to one in four. And they come from all walks of life, spanning regions, genders, incomes, political party lines and beyond.”
The report also highlights major demographic shifts among crypto holders. Female participation continues to rise, with women accounting for 42% of new crypto adopters during 2025–2026, compared to 34% among those who entered the crypto economy before 2025. The data also challenges assumptions that crypto ownership is concentrated among wealthy households, with 90% of holders earning less than $500,000 annually and nearly one-quarter earning $75,000 or less.
Professionally, crypto ownership spans a broad range of industries. While technology and financial services account for 26% of holders, construction and manufacturing workers now represent 21%, underscoring crypto’s growing reach into traditional sectors of the economy.
Age demographics also broadened significantly. Millennials still represent a major segment of crypto users, but adoption among Gen Z, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and even the Silent Generation increased notably during the past year.
| Generation | 2009–2024 | 2025–2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 24% | 29% |
| Millennials | 49% | 30% |
| Gen X | 21% | 26% |
| Baby Boomers | 6% | 13% |
| Silent Generation | 0% | 1% |
Practical crypto usage continues to expand. Four in ten holders reported sending crypto to friends or family and using it for purchases. Nearly one-third said they accept crypto payments for business transactions, participate in NFT trading, or play blockchain-based games. Charitable donations through cryptocurrency are also growing, with 19% of respondents reporting crypto-based giving.
The survey indicates that crypto ownership is increasingly tied to positive perceptions of financial empowerment. Among respondents, 83% said crypto made them feel proud about their financial lives, while 81% reported feeling confident and 78% described feeling empowered.
Holders cited 24/7 accessibility, privacy, financial control, and positive personal experiences as leading reasons for trusting crypto platforms. Interestingly, respondents reported slightly higher trust in crypto, at 69%, than in traditional banking systems, which received 65%.
| Crypto’s Positive Impact on Life | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Increased financial independence | 49% | 54% |
| Learning and personal growth | 45% | 51% |
| Fun and excitement | 45% | 50% |
| Feeling of security and control | 35% | 42% |
Confidence in cryptocurrency also continues to strengthen. Three-quarters of respondents now view crypto as proven and reliable, while 69% describe it as established and mature. Looking ahead, 90% plan to purchase more crypto within the next year, 72% intend to spend more using crypto, and 50% plan to donate cryptocurrency.
“Crypto is shifting from novel to normal, especially as it integrates with institutions like retailers and banks,” said Ali Tager, VP of External Affairs at NCA. “Two-thirds of holders believe that crypto is already integrated into traditional financial systems, while nearly one-third want to see even broader crypto adoption by merchants for payments.”
The report also identified several areas where respondents want further development to support broader adoption. These include rewards and interest opportunities for crypto usage, more retail checkout options, increased education, improved market stability, stronger regulation, and enhanced security protections.
As adoption continues to rise, the NCA says it plans to expand educational efforts and partnerships aimed at improving crypto literacy across the United States. Current initiatives include collaborations with Coinbase and Operation HOPE focused on helping communities safely and responsibly engage with digital assets.
The National Cryptocurrency Association is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to educating consumers about cryptocurrency through educational resources, real-world use cases, and community partnerships.
For more information, visit the official NCA website at nca.org.