A new survey reports that cryptocurrency usage for everyday purchases by Australians doubled from 6% to 12% in 2026. Despite this adoption, nearly one-third of investors encountered banking delays or rejections when trying to access crypto markets. The report suggests regulatory clarity could alleviate these persistent banking frictions.
More Australians reported using cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services in 2026 compared to the year before. Banking friction has continued to weigh on crypto users, according to a new report.
The survey found the share of Australians using crypto to buy goods or pay for services doubled from 6% to 12%. It suggested more Australians are viewing crypto as a practical payment method rather than just a speculative bet.
Among respondents who used crypto for goods and services, 21% reported using it for online shopping. Another 16% said they used crypto to pay for services such as freelancing and video game purchases.
Beyond complexity, banking blocks were highlighted as a significant obstacle. A Binance survey last year found users faced banking barriers when engaging with exchanges.
Around 30% of investors said they have experienced delays or rejections when trying to buy cryptocurrency. This compared with 19.3% who reported the same issues in 2025.
Banking restrictions on crypto transactions in Australia tightened around 2023. Major banks, including Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank, introduced measures such as payment delays and caps on transfers.
“For many Australians, the lack of regulation hits home when a payment to a crypto exchange is delayed or blocked,” the report authors said. The report stated these interruptions affect both consumers and businesses.
The findings suggest banks have not relaxed their posture toward crypto. They may be refining their approach by focusing on user behavior and transaction patterns.
“Clear licensing and regulation can help fix this. By setting high standards for crypto operators, banks would have more confidence that transactions are legitimate,” they added. “For Australia’s blockchain industry, which has faced banking hurdles for over a decade, effective regulation could finally bridge the gap.”
