Americans are feeling the pressure of rising living costs, but they are not abandoning cryptocurrencies.
Visa Inc.'s new holiday spending survey shows that there is growing interest in digital assets as gifts, even though inflation continues to limit disposable income and keeps consumers cautious. This difference highlights a deeper change in how households adapt as financial situations tighten.
Inflation is calming down, but budgets still feel tight
Inflation has slowed down from its pandemic peak, but prices remain high, especially for housing, food, insurance, and basic services.
Wages have generally followed the development of inflation, which has prevented a sharp decline in purchasing power. However, the difference is small.
After necessities, households have less flexibility left for investment or discretionary spending than before 2022.
The current situation has not completely halted consumption. Instead, consumer behavior has changed. Purchases are made earlier, prices are compared more eagerly, and technology is leveraged to stretch every dollar as far as possible.
Economic confidence remains fragile, but participation in the economy continues. Caution is clearly visible in spending habits and in what people choose to buy.
According to Visa's December survey, 28% of Americans would be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift or holiday present, and this figure rises to 45% among Generation Z.
Interest is not related to luxury. It is a preference for assets that feel flexible, digital, and potentially long-term in value.
At the same time, 47% of American shoppers reported using AI tools to support their holiday shopping, primarily for finding gift ideas and price comparisons. This reflects consumers' thinking aimed at efficiency rather than excess.
Younger consumers are leading the change. Generation Z is using more crypto payments, digital wallets, biometric identification methods, and is shopping across borders more diligently than any other age group.
Cryptocurrency fits naturally into their broader digital financial identity.
The data suggests that the popularity of cryptocurrency gifts does not displace major purchases. Instead, cryptocurrencies replace traditional discretionary goods at a time when consumers are making selective choices.
What does this tell us about the U.S. economy?
The easing of inflation and the continuation of budget pressures signal a cautiously stable economy.
Americans are not retreating but adapting. Consumption continues, but it focuses on tools and assets that offer efficiency, freedom of choice, or future opportunities.
The growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as gifts — even though disposable income is tighter — reflects a cultural normalization rather than speculative excitement.
This also explains why digital assets are still of interest, even though there are constraints in the economy.
For the markets, the message is clear. Inflation may be easing, but confidence has not fully returned.
In the meantime, technology and alternative assets are filling a role that traditional consumption no longer fulfills.
Many Americans feel their financial situation is tight, yet they still invest — thoughtfully — in the future.
