CoinGate’s 2025 Cryptocurrency Payment Analysis
In an insightful analysis released on January 21, 2026, CoinGate revealed that the landscape of cryptocurrency transactions is transitioning into a more structured and integrated aspect of business operations. The platform recorded an impressive 1.42 million crypto payments processed in 2025, contributing to its cumulative total exceeding seven million since its inception.
The year saw fluctuations in transaction volumes primarily influenced by the gradual phase-out of USDT, which affected checkout figures. However, this adjustment isn’t indicative of dwindling demand; instead, it signifies a shift toward fewer yet more substantial transactions alongside developing patterns of regularity in payment processing.
Dominance of Bitcoin and Rise of Stablecoins
Bitcoin has regained its dominance among cryptocurrencies on CoinGate, securing 22.1% of all processed payments, positioning it ahead of USDT. Meanwhile, stablecoins have solidified their presence in the market, accounting for 29.8% of total transactions, albeit with a notable reshuffle in their makeup. Notably, USDC has emerged as the leading stablecoin, witnessing a staggering 1264% surge in order volume year-over-year. This increase can be attributed to businesses adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes and their preference for compliance and stability in digital assets. Litecoin has climbed to become the third most-utilized cryptocurrency, capturing a 14.4% share of payment transactions.
Merchant Behavior and Payment Trends
The behavior of merchants highlighted a major trend in 2025, as stablecoins constituted 25.2% of all payments, an increase from 16.7% the previous year. Additionally, the overall crypto settlements ratio climbed to 37.5% from 27%. The standout performer, USDC, saw its settlement share rise dramatically from 0.01% to 12.6%, underscoring its role as a critical operational asset for merchants using cryptocurrency not just as a means of transaction, but as part of their core financial strategies — handling value, treasury management, and payment distributions.
The preference for USDC is further exemplified in payout scenarios; it made up 83.4% of all payouts in 2025. CoinGate’s foreign exchange (FX) payout features enabled merchants to convert their existing fiat balances into crypto at the time of payout, with 85.4% of payouts in euros being directly converted into USDC. A striking 96.8% of these payouts remained in USDC, indicating a strong inclination towards maintaining asset stability rather than switching between different cryptocurrencies.
Automation and Regulatory Developments
Automation played a pivotal role in streamlining these transactions, with 85% of payouts executed via API, integrating crypto payments directly into routine business operations instead of relying on manual processes. This marks a significant evolution from initial stages of crypto trialing to establishing robust financial frameworks.
Furthermore, in a noteworthy development, CoinGate received authorization from the Bank of Lithuania under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations in 2025, offering businesses a clearer regulatory pathway for cross-border crypto payments.
Conclusion
Overall, the data published by CoinGate paints a picture of a burgeoning market that is increasingly maturing, revealing how crypto payments are no longer treated as a secondary option but are now integral to financial management in businesses across various sectors.
Founded in 2014 and based in Lithuania, CoinGate is a licensed cryptocurrency payment provider that offers businesses the capability to facilitate and manage payments in digital assets using various networks and Layer-2 solutions, as well as providing tools for crypto payouts and foreign exchange functions. More information can be found at coingate.com.
