A recent survey by European digital bank bunq highlights a growing fascination with cryptocurrencies in the US, tempered by persistent barriers around knowledge, risk, and confidence in existing online investing platforms. Despite economic pressures encouraging alternative investments, only about one-third of Americans have dipped their toes into crypto, pointing to a significant gap between curiosity and actual participation.
Conducted as part of bunq’s Crypto Trust Index, the research reveals that nearly half of respondents view the current economic environment as a catalyst for exploring assets like digital currencies.
However, just 32% reported having invested in crypto at any point. For the majority who have stayed on the sidelines, the top obstacle is a lack of understanding—cited by 40%—followed by concerns over market swings (28%) and discomfort with dedicated exchanges (27%).
Many simply feel overwhelmed; over a quarter admitted they wouldn’t even know how to begin learning about crypto investing.
Gender differences stand out sharply in the data. Men are more than twice as likely to have invested (48% versus 21% for women).
Women also express greater uncertainty about getting started, with more than double the proportion saying they lack direction compared to male respondents.
This disparity underscores broader accessibility challenges in the crypto space.
Trust remains a critical hurdle. While dedicated crypto platforms and exchanges enjoy limited confidence—only 10% of US consumers now trust them “a lot,” and 57% trust them little or not at all—traditional banks emerge as the preferred gateway.
Roughly 37% of respondents indicated they would feel most secure investing in crypto through their bank.
This preference intensifies among women, nearly 40% of whom favor banks over exchanges (20%), with just 4% expressing strong trust in crypto-specific services.
Education appears key to unlocking broader adoption. Around one-third of those surveyed pointed to basic learning resources or straightforward guidance as the most vital step forward, while nearly one in five emphasized the need for regulated, familiar settings.
These insights suggest that simplifying entry points could help bridge the divide between interest and action.
Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq, contextualized the finding by pointing out the crypto sector has long catered to enthusiasts, but wider mainstream uptake depends on building reliability and ease rather than added intricacy.
Users seek secure, user-friendly ways to engage with new financial tools within environments they already know. bunq positions itself as that connector, integrating crypto features to lower barriers for newcomers.
As a neobank, bunq continues to innovate with AI-driven tools for spending, saving, budgeting, and investing, supporting global users including digital nomads.
The bank‘s expansion efforts, including US licensing initiatives, align with its goal of making advanced finance more approachable worldwide. This research arrives amid evolving discussions on digital assets.
While curiosity about crypto grows—fueled by economic uncertainty and technological promise—sustained adoption will likely hinge on addressing knowledge gaps and prioritizing regulated channels.
Banks like bunq may play a pivotal role in simplifying crypto, potentially accelerating its journey from niche interest to everyday financial option. For US consumers focused on greater investment portfolio diversification, the key takeaway is clear. That being, interest exists, but consumer confidence-building measures are essential for the next meaningful step forward.