A new Independent Reserve survey finds more Australians are using cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services in 2026, even as banking obstacles grow. The poll of 2,000 everyday Australians, conducted between January 12 and January 30, shows the share of people using crypto for purchases doubled from 6% to 12% year over year, underlining a shift toward practical payment use instead of purely speculative holding.
Among those who spent crypto, online shopping was the top real-world use case (21%), followed by payments for services such as freelancing and video games (16%). Despite this increased adoption, respondents still pointed to a lack of education, training and the perceived complexity of the technology as barriers to wider use.
Banking friction is an escalating problem. About 30% of crypto investors reported experiencing at least one delay or rejection when buying cryptocurrency or transferring funds to an exchange, up from 19.3% in 2025. Respondents and past industry surveys identify payment delays, transfer caps and extra identity checks as common issues.
Many of these measures date back to 2023, when major Australian banks tightened controls on crypto-related transactions. Younger investors reported higher rates of delays than older groups, and people making smaller transfers said they experienced more interference.
Report authors say these interruptions illustrate how unclear rules leave banks cautious about crypto activity. They argue that clearer licensing and regulation would give banks greater confidence in the legitimacy of transactions and set high standards for crypto operators.
Industry leaders told Cointelegraph that Australia’s market is seeing user growth and regulatory progress, but a number of practical and policy challenges remain. The survey reinforces a familiar conclusion: adoption is rising, but durable solutions—particularly regulatory clarity and reliable banking relationships—are needed to sustain mainstream use.