Millions of Americans Are Interested in Crypto but Haven't Bought It. What's Holding Them Back?

Millions of Americans Are Interested in Crypto but Haven't Bought It. What's Holding Them Back?

Millions of Americans are interested in cryptocurrency, but many still haven't taken the step of buying it.

According to a study by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll in 2026, 59% of Americans who don't own crypto are open to using it to some degree. Researchers also estimate that more than 33 million U.S. adults are inclined to buy cryptocurrency in 2026.

The survey included 2,014 people who don't own cryptocurrency. The estimate of 33 million is based on respondents' stated intentions, not guaranteed future purchases.

So why doesn't interest always turn into action?

Why Are People Interested in Cryptocurrency?

People are drawn to crypto not only for its investment potential, but also for the ability to use it for payments and transfers.

Among potential buyers surveyed by the NCA, 41% cited portfolio diversification as one reason for their interest, 26% were interested in paying for goods and services, and 24% each were attracted by faster payments and round-the-clock access to their funds.

Cryptocurrency is also seeing growing use in international transfers. According to Chainalysis, the estimated monthly value of cross-border stablecoin transfers increased from $11 billion in January 2025 to $24 billion in June 2026. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a relatively stable value, often pegged to the U.S. dollar.

While not every transfer represents a payment for goods or services, these figures show the growing role of stablecoins in moving money across borders. Understanding how digital assets work can therefore be useful not only for investors, but also for people who want to use them for everyday financial needs.

What's Holding People Back?

According to the NCA study, 48% of Americans who don't own cryptocurrency ranked a lack of understanding among their top three reasons for not buying it. Another 43% cited concerns about security and fraud.

These concerns are understandable. New users need to learn where to buy and store crypto, how to make transfers, which blockchain network to select, and how transaction fees work. When sending crypto, it's important to choose the correct network and check the recipient's address. Understanding these basics helps prevent common mistakes.

The study also found that 26% of respondents would feel more confident with simpler educational materials, while 25% wanted better protection against fraud.

These findings suggest that interest in cryptocurrency is already there, but many people need a simpler way to get started and a better understanding of security. That's why clear explanations and easy-to-use apps can play an important role in bringing more people into crypto.

How to Get Started Easily with IronWallet

If you already know what you want to use cryptocurrency for, a simple, easy-to-use wallet can be a good place to start.

We created IronWallet to make managing digital assets straightforward, even for beginners.

Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play and create your own wallet in just a few minutes, with no registration required. The intuitive interface lets you check your balance, receive and send cryptocurrency, and contact support directly through the app whenever you need help.

IronWallet is a non-custodial wallet. Your assets are recorded on the blockchain, and when you create a new wallet, your private keys are generated and stored locally on your device. This means you stay in control of your cryptocurrency without handing control of your keys to a company.

We've also made transfers easier. With gasless transfers for supported assets and transactions, you don't need to buy a separate cryptocurrency in advance just to cover the network fee. The fee still applies, but there's no need to purchase an additional token solely to pay it.

You don't have to buy crypto or invest large amounts right away to start exploring. You can begin by installing IronWallet, creating a wallet, and getting familiar with its basic features.

When creating your wallet, make sure to store your recovery phrase in a safe place and never share it with anyone. It allows you to restore access to your assets, for example, if you switch devices.

Cryptocurrency is finding more and more practical uses. With IronWallet, you can start exploring it today through a simple interface while keeping full control of your digital assets.