A 2022 survey by the Federal Reserve finds that 12% of adults in the US hold cryptocurrencies.

The “Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2021” survey that was released on May 23rd 2022 evaluates the economic health of consumers in the US. This year’s survey also included questions relating to cryptocurrencies.

The survey’s introduction notes:

“To better understand consumer experiences with emerging products, cryptocurrencies and “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) products were included on the survey for the first time. While most adults did not use cryptocurrencies in the prior year, cryptocurrency use as an investment was far more common than use for transactions or purchases.”

The survey found that lower-income adults were more likely to use cryptocurrencies for transactional purposes, however adults who used cryptocurrencies for investment purposes were overwhelmingly high-income earners. 

While 12% of adults were found to hold cryptocurrencies, just 2% held cryptocurrencies for purchases. Meanwhile, 29% of adults who used crypto to transact, had no retirement savings, and 27% had no credit card, with 6% not having a bank account. 

“​​Those who held cryptocurrency purely for investment purposes were disproportionately high-income, almost always had a traditional banking relationship, and typically had other retirement savings. Forty-six percent of those using cryptocurrencies only for investment had an income of $100,000 or more, while 29 percent had an income under $50,000. “

This is the first time the Fed has included cryptocurrency in its yearly survey, and its findings have provided an insight into how crypto investors who are high-income also have a relationship with traditional banking and investment. Meanwhile, lower-income americans who use cryptocurrency to simply transact are more likely to be unbanked and have no retirement savings.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.