33M Americans Are Eyeing Crypto, but the Next Wave Looks Different: Survey

The Harris Poll surveyed 2,014 U.S. nonholders online June 24-July 1, with demographic weighting to reflect the population. The study reported sampling precision of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Separate NCA research earlier this year estimated that more than 67 million Americans hold crypto, following an increase of 12 million holders in one year. The readiness study examines intentions among people who held no cryptocurrency when surveyed.

Confusion Creates a Larger Barrier Than Market Volatility

Lack of understanding ranked ahead of other ownership barriers at 48% when respondents selected their three main reasons for not owning crypto. Security and fraud concerns followed at 43%, while market volatility drew 26%. Among changes that could make buying more comfortable, clearer information led at 26%, closely followed by better scam protection at 25%.

Among Americans who do not own crypto, 41% of those who felt knowledgeable about buying it were likely to purchase in 2026, compared with 11% of those who felt not at all knowledgeable about buying crypto. Separate household research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland also identified a bitcoin knowledge gap.