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2025 payment overview: monero and nano lead the way

2025 Payment Stats in Review | Monero Dominates | Crypto Insights

By

Maya Thompson

Jan 3, 2026, 05:26 PM

Edited By

Sophia Rojas

3 minutes reading time

The symbols of Monero and Nano displayed prominently, representing their role in 2025 payment trends.

A recent analysis reveals Monero standing tall as the most utilized cryptocurrency in 2025, often eclipsing other coins combined. The findings stress the importance of integration for broader merchant adoption and highlight key trends in the crypto payment scene.

Monero's Stellar Performance

Monero, a privacy-focused coin, has outranked all others in multiple months, cementing its position as a favorite among users.

"Weโ€™re privacy-aligned and thrilled that Monero is doing well," said a source.

The traction Monero gained suggests a growing trust in its ability to facilitate secure transactions.

Space for Nano

Following closely, Nano has emerged as the second most used cryptocurrency, drawing interest for its instant transactions and zero fees. Despite its smaller market capitalization when compared to others, Nano has continued to be a favorite.

Interestingly, many expected Nano to perform at a lower rate but it consistently demonstrates significant usage.

Bitcoin's Stronghold

Bitcoin holds the third position, a boost attributed to the integration of the Lightning Network. This feature has enhanced its application for larger transactions, proving popular among merchants.

Mixed Sentiments on Other Coins

Litecoin finishes fourth, quietly gaining usage despite a lack of buzz from the community. USDC has also gained traction, especially on platforms like Base, coinciding with the launch of x402 payments that facilitate AI access.

Highlights from the Community

  1. Merchant recommendations favor BTCPayServer, which supports top currencies including Monero and Nano. It stands out as a self-custodial, open-source solution.

  2. Users expressed disappointment over low usage rates of other coins like EGLD and Kaspa.

  3. "Your coin might be technically fantastic, but as a merchant, itโ€™s tough to integrate," emphasizes the need for practical acceptance in the marketplace.

Key Takeaways

  • โœ… Monero reigns as the most utilized cryptocurrency of the year.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Nano's utility holds strong, attributed to its low fees and fast transactions.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Bitcoin benefits from Lightning Network integration, enhancing its merchant adoption.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Notable disappointment in EGLD and Kaspa usage rates.

The findings reflect a clear call-to-action for cryptocurrency backers: SPEDN over HODL to attract user interest and serious merchant adoption. This trend of practicality might very well shape the future of cryptocurrencies with a focus on usage over speculation.

Click here for a detailed blog post and a visual recap of these stats.

Shaping the Crypto Landscape Ahead

As 2025 progresses, the outlook for cryptocurrency transactions looks promising, particularly for Monero and Nano. Analysts suggest thereโ€™s a strong chance that Monero will maintain its lead due to its appeal for privacy-conscious consumers, potentially growing its market share by around 15% over the next year. Meanwhile, Nanoโ€™s attractive transaction model could see its usage expand by up to 30%, as more merchants recognize the benefits of no fees and instant transactions. Bitcoin, bolstered by the Lightning Network, may also secure a firm footing among high-volume transactions, possibly gaining another 10% in merchant adoption. Overall, this evolving focus on practical solutions over speculative investments seems likely to foster a healthier crypto environment.

The Unexpected Echo of the Gold Rush

Reflecting on history, the current surge in crypto payments can be likened to the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, where fortune hunters flocked to new territories with the hope of striking it rich. Just as miners once sought quick rewards, today's cryptocurrency users are navigating a landscape driven by the desire for secure and efficient transaction methods. Ironically, while some may strike gold, the lasting impact of their endeavorsโ€”whether in emerging markets or new technologiesโ€”can lead to transformative changes that shape future generations. Both eras share a spirit of exploration, highlighting the importance of practicality and adaptability in the pursuit of wealth and innovation.