35% vs. 2%: Crypto Is Creating A Sharp Divide Among Credit Unions

NEW YORK--Credit unions remain sharply divided over cryptocurrency, with new PYMNTS Intelligence research showing the industry’s most aggressive innovators are already gaining hands-on experience while slower-moving institutions largely remain on the sidelines.

The August 2026 “Credit Union Innovation Readiness” playbook from PYMNTS Intelligence, produced in collaboration with Velera, found 35% of credit unions identifying themselves as early launchers are actively engaged with cryptocurrency. Among self-described laggards, just 2% are actively engaged, creating a 33-percentage-point divide.

PYMNTS reported early launchers are the only group where active crypto engagement, at 35%, exceeds the 30% that say they are well or fully prepared to support it. Among followers, just 6% are actively engaged, compared with 18% that consider themselves prepared, while laggards are at 2% active versus 17% prepared.

The biggest readiness gap, according to PYMNTS, is among quick followers. While 35% say they are well or fully prepared to offer cryptocurrency, only 10% are actively engaged. Overall, three-quarters of credit unions report limited or no member demand for crypto, 46% have no plans to offer it and another 38% are monitoring or researching the market. Just 5% are piloting or offering crypto today, while another 3% describe themselves as active or market leaders.