67M Americans Own Crypto; 90% Plan Purchases Next Year

The National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report estimates more than 67 million Americans, roughly one in four adults, now own cryptocurrency. The findings are based on an online Harris Poll of 10,000 U.S. adults who identified as crypto holders, conducted Feb. 12–March 3, 2026. Results were weighted and extrapolated; the report lists a margin of error of plus or minus 0.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

The survey found 12 million people entered the market in the past year. Women accounted for 42% of recent buyers, up from 34% among earlier adopters. Recent buyers included 18% aged 18 to 24 and 28% aged 55 and older.

Regionally, holders were most concentrated in the South, which represented 38% of the sample. Ownership expanded across income levels and occupations, the report said.

Active use among holders rose to 87% in 2026 from 80% in 2025. Transfers to friends and family were reported by 41% of holders and purchases of goods and services by 40%. The survey found 72% of holders plan to spend crypto in the next year and 65% expect to send it to friends or family. More than half of respondents who plan to buy additional crypto said they expect to purchase up to $5,000 over the coming year.

Employment data showed technology roles made up 18% of employed holders, while construction and manufacturing together accounted for 21%. Household income varied: more than half of holders reported annual household income under $150,000, and 23% reported incomes below $75,000.

On trust, 69% of holders said they trust cryptocurrency and 65% said they trust traditional banking. Seventy-five percent described crypto as proven and reliable. Concerns about scams and security were cited by 72% as barriers to trust. Respondents ranked greater transparency as the top factor to build trust at 49%, followed by real-world use cases and integration with traditional finance at 42% each.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents reported crypto has had a positive impact on their lives, while 3% reported a negative impact.

The report was published as the Senate Banking Committee voted 15-9 on May 14 to advance the Clarity Act, a bill that would establish a federal framework for digital assets and move to the full Senate. Stuart Alderoty, chief legal officer at Ripple and president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, posted on X that the Clarity Act is meant to provide clear rules for everyday participants, writing, “The Clarity Act isn’t about protecting an industry. It’s about protecting everyday Americans who deserve clear rules when they participate in the multi-trillion dollar crypto economy.”

The National Cryptocurrency Association posted on X on May 20 noting, “67 million Americans hold crypto. That’s 1 in 4 adults,” and highlighted holders from a range of jobs including construction workers, caregivers, ranchers and small business owners.

The NCA released the full report in May 2026.