Crypto adoption
A Bitcoin payment app is displayed on a cellphone as interest in cryptocurrency grows among potential new buyers in the U.S. Getty Images

More than 33 million Americans plan to buy cryptocurrency this year, but confusion about how it works and concerns about scams remain major barriers for people who do not currently own digital assets, according to new research from the National Cryptocurrency Association.

The 2026 Crypto Readiness Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, found that six in 10 non-holders are either curious about or open to crypto. The study surveyed 2,014 U.S. adults who do not currently own cryptocurrency between June 24 and July 1.

Among those likely to buy crypto this year, 41% said diversifying their investments was their main motivation. Another 26% pointed to using crypto for goods and services, while 24% cited faster payments and 24% said round-the-clock access to money.

The survey also found that 27% of prospective buyers worry about falling behind financially if they do not understand crypto.

Lack of knowledge remains one of the biggest obstacles. Nearly half, or 48%, of non-holders said not understanding crypto was a main reason they did not own it, while 59% said the technology behind cryptocurrency was difficult to understand.

Read more

"Knowledge is the single biggest lever we have," Stuart Alderoty, president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, said in the study release.

The survey also found that people who feel knowledgeable about crypto are nearly four times more likely to say they plan to buy it than those who do not.

Prospective buyers also said stronger protections and clearer information could make them more comfortable entering the market.

When asked what would need to change before they would feel comfortable buying crypto, 26% chose easier-to-understand information, 25% cited better protection against scams and 23% said they wanted access through trusted financial institutions. Another 21% said seeing people they know use crypto successfully would help.

Traditional financial institutions could also play a role. More than one-third, or 36%, of non-holders said they would be more likely to buy cryptocurrency if it were offered through a bank, retirement account or payment app.

Among respondents who have a financial adviser, 76% said an adviser recommendation would make them more likely to learn about crypto, while 66% said it would make them more likely to buy it.

The survey found similar preferences when respondents were asked where they would turn for information. Guides from financial experts ranked first at 37%, followed by cryptocurrency education organizations and associations at 27%.

NCA's earlier 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report found that about 67 million Americans currently hold cryptocurrency, equivalent to roughly one in four U.S. adults. That report was based on a separate survey of 10,000 crypto holders conducted earlier this year.

Women accounted for 43% of respondents likely to buy crypto this year, compared with 34% of current holders. People of color represented 55% of prospective buyers compared with 48% of current holders.

Income levels were also lower among potential new buyers. About 42% of those likely to purchase crypto in 2026 reported household income below $75,000, compared with 23% of current crypto-owning households.

The Harris Poll survey was weighted for factors including age, gender, race and ethnicity, region, education, employment, household income and political affiliation. The study had a Bayesian credible interval of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.