FDIC Survey Highlights Increased Crypto Use Among Underbanked Households

According to ShibDaily, a recent survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has revealed that underbanked households in the United States are engaging with cryptocurrency more frequently than fully banked households. The survey, which was released on November 12, 2023, analyzed responses from approximately 60,000 households to identify trends in cryptocurrency usage across different demographics. The findings indicate that 6.2% of underbanked households, defined as those with a bank account but also relying on nonbank services like payday loans or check cashing, are using cryptocurrency. This is in contrast to 4.8% of fully banked households. Underbanked households constitute about 14.2% of U.S. households, equating to roughly 19 million households. The survey also highlighted that cryptocurrency usage is notably higher among younger, highly educated, and working-age households, as well as among Asian and white households. Income disparities were evident in the survey results, with 7.3% of households earning $75,000 or more using cryptocurrency, compared to only 1.1% of those earning less than $15,000. The majority of households using cryptocurrency held it as an investment, while only 4.4% used it for online purchases. The report also noted that just 1.2% of unbanked households, those without checking or savings accounts, used cryptocurrency. Most unbanked households continue to rely on cash, prepaid cards, and online payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg emphasized the ongoing disparities in banking access among minority, lower-income, disabled, and single-parent households, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to bridge these gaps. The survey underscores the differences in how cryptocurrency is perceived and used among various household groups. While most users hold cryptocurrency primarily as an investment, younger and higher-income households are more inclined to experiment with it for both investment and transactions. In contrast, lower-income groups often face barriers such as limited financial literacy and resources, affecting their ability to engage with digital assets. With the rising adoption of cryptocurrency among underbanked groups, regulators like the FDIC are increasingly focusing on consumer protection and financial literacy. The findings suggest a growing need for policies that address these shifts in financial access, especially as more Americans seek alternatives to traditional banking services.