Over half of U.S. millennials own cryptocurrency, according to a new study; what other findings did it reveal?
Title: Millennials and Crypto: Trends and Insights from the Latest Survey
Millennials are making waves in the digital economy, and the recent "Millennial Shopping Habits: Unveiled" report offers fascinating insights into their spending habits, particularly concerning cryptocurrencies. The survey, conducted in February 2025, polled 1,185 Americans between the ages of 29 and 44. The report sheds light on how AI and cryptocurrencies are reshaping retail experiences for this generation.
AI and Cryptocurrencies: The New Norm
The report reveals that millennials are increasingly embracing AI and cryptocurrencies. AI is used for online shopping assistance, while digital currencies serve as both a payment method and investment or savings currency. Interestingly, the number of millennials using AI for shopping (54%) and owning cryptocurrencies (53%) is nearly identical.
The Crypto Ownership Landscape
Nearly six in ten (53%) surveyed millennials now own digital currencies. However, a significant portion of millennials (39%) are aware of cryptocurrency's existence but don't own any. Only 7% have never even heard of digital currencies. Furthermore, the report indicates that male millennials are more active in the crypto world, with 66% owning digital currencies compared to 45% of female millennials.
Crypto Spending Habits
The report unearths some intriguing spending habits related to cryptocurrencies. Around 8% of all surveyed millennials (which translates to about 15% of crypto owners) use crypto as a payment method "whenever possible." Meanwhile, nearly 20% of millennials who own crypto never use it for shopping. Over six in ten millennial crypto owners use it to pay for goods and services occasionally.
Beyond Cryptocurrencies
The report also delves into other retail trends among millennials. For instance, half of this generation is swayed by discounts starting at 20%, and there's a growing preference for free shipping, trials, and gifts as forms of discount. Additionally, the report suggests that millennials are more likely to browse and purchase goods in-store than in 2019 and 2022, although online shopping remains popular. The use of computers for online shopping is declining, while millennials increasingly rely on Amazon's recommendations and top search results.
Millennials and Crypto: A Strange Attraction
Millennials have been at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption. A survey conducted by Bankrate in 2021 revealed that millennials are the primary drivers of crypto adoption, with a greater confidence in investing in digital currencies compared to other age groups. However, a study conducted by CryptoQuant earlier in 2025 indicates that the youngest millennials and oldest members of Gen Z (ages 25-34) make up the core group of crypto adopters and innovators, accounting for 35% of all crypto investors and users.
It appears that the current Bitcoin adoption level is comparable to the internet in 1990, suggesting a promising future for cryptocurrencies and their integration into millennials' shopping habits. Stay tuned for more insights as the digital economy continues to evolve!
Enrichment Data:- Among Gen Y (millennials and Gen Z), millennials show higher enthusiasm for generative AI, reflecting broader consumer trends where young demographics embrace AI[1].- Millennials are more likely to question the accuracy of business dashboards than older generations, suggesting potential differences in comfort with data-driven tools[2].- The retail sector is increasingly seeing the value in AI adoption, with 90% of retailers regarding it as a competitive necessity[3].- Maturity in generative AI solutions is on the rise, with practical tools like Wally AI for merchant support and Gemini-powered marketing happening in the retail space[1][3].- Younger generations' acceptance of AI aligns with retailers' priorities to focus on personalization and customer service automation[2][3].
- Millennials are not only using AI for online shopping assistance but also adopting cryptocurrencies as both a payment method and investment or savings currency, according to a recent survey.
- The survey indicates that a significant portion of millennials are aware of cryptocurrencies but don't own any, with only 7% having never heard of digital currencies.
- CouponFollow suggests that, among millennials, male millennials are more active in the crypto world, with 66% owning digital currencies compared to 45% of female millennials.
- The report unearths some intriguing spending habits related to cryptocurrencies, such as around 8% of all surveyed millennials using crypto as a payment method "whenever possible."
- As for general news, a study conducted by CryptoQuant earlier in 2025 indicates that the youngest millennials and oldest members of Gen Z make up the core group of crypto adopters and innovators.
- In the realm of finance and lifestyle, millennials are more likely to question the accuracy of business dashboards than older generations, suggesting potential differences in comfort with data-driven tools.
- The retail sector is embracing technology, with 90% of retailers regarding AI as a competitive necessity, and practical tools like Wally AI for merchant support and Gemini-powered marketing happening in the retail space.
