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Crypto cards market hits $18 billion: what's next?

Crypto Cards Market Shoots to $18B | Tax Challenges Loom

By

Ahmed Khan

Jan 25, 2026, 07:25 AM

Edited By

Sophia Kim

2 minutes to read

A visual representation of the growing crypto card market, featuring various digital cards and currency symbols, illustrating the rise to $18 billion.
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The booming market for crypto cards has surged to an impressive $18 billion, sparking discussions about the challenges users face, especially regarding taxation. As the demand for these cards grows, so does the complexity surrounding their use in everyday transactions.

What Are Crypto Cards?

Crypto cards allow people to spend digital currencies like cash, making transactions seamless. They act like traditional debit or credit cards, yet their value fluctuates based on the crypto market. This has drawn both excitement and skepticism from users across online forums.

Taxation Worries Raise Concerns

A number of commenters have raised red flags about how these cards are perceived by the tax authorities.

  • "I wish crypto legislation would stop treating it like a collectible asset"

    Concerns around the current legislation remain prominent. Many argue that using crypto cards incurs a 7% tax, which many see as essentially a profit-taking tax every time they make a purchase.

  • "The tax becomes confusing to use on card purchases"

    People are feeling the pinch, expressing worry that regulatory frameworks are not keeping pace with technological innovation.

Distinguishing Crypto from NFTs

Another hot topic is the distinction between crypto cards and NFTs. Users emphasize the critical differences:

  • NFTs are unique digital items, while crypto cards are practical for spending.

  • "NFTs eww, Crypto cards? Yes please!" expresses one user’s preference for more functional crypto applications.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ˜“ 7% Tax: Users face heavy taxation when spending crypto through cards.

  • πŸ”„ Regulatory Changes Needed: Many callers believe laws should evolve to treat crypto as currency.

  • πŸ₯³ Mixed Sentiment: While some celebrate the convenience, others worry about tax implications affecting usability.

Epilogue

As the $18 billion market continues to thrive, the push for clearer regulations on crypto transactions is growing. Will authorities respond swiftly to adapt to modern needs? Only time will tell.

Future Trends in Crypto Cards and Tax Regulations

Experts estimate there’s a strong chance for significant shifts in regulatory frameworks surrounding crypto cards in the months ahead. With the market currently valued at $18 billion, lawmakers are likely to respond to pressures from users, prompting modifications to tax policies to better align with digital currency transactions. Predictably, there's around a 70% probability that we will see lobbying efforts leading to updated legislation by late 2026, potentially lowering the burden from the current 7% taxation. The demand for more clarity in regulations suggests that both businesses and consumers will push for favorable terms that treat cryptocurrencies essentially the same as traditional currencies, ensuring they remain viable for everyday use.

A Reflection on the Rise of Credit Cards

The current situation with crypto cards mirrors the rise of credit cards in the 1960s, a time when people were hesitant to trust a new form of payment. Back then, it took years to establish the legitimacy and regulatory backing for credit usage in daily transactions. Just like credit cards, crypto cards face skepticism and confusion over use and taxation. However, as people become more accustomed to their benefits, it’s likely that acceptance will grow rapidly, similar to how credit cards transformed purchasing behavior over time. This suggests that the destiny of crypto cards could hinge on consumer education and evolving technologies that simplify their use.