Stablecoins in the U.S.: Rising policy momentum, limited public awareness

Stablecoins are moving firmly onto the policy and financial agenda in the United States. The passage of the GENIUS Act has established the first comprehensive federal framework for payment stablecoins, while regulators including the Federal Reserve and OCC are working through implementation standards around reserves, audits, and supervision.

At the same time, banks, fintechs, and payment players are actively exploring stablecoin-based products, signalling growing institutional interest in their role within the financial system.

However, among the American public, awareness of stablecoins remains muted.

Stablecoin insight #1: Awareness of stablecoins is low — but understanding can be built

Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) say they have never heard of stablecoins. While 28% say they have heard of the term, this includes 9% who have heard of them but still aren't sure what they mean, leaving only a minority with any meaningful familiarity.

That said, a basic comprehension of the concept appears relatively easy to build. When given a simple one-line explanation, 46% of Americans say they understand what a stablecoin is, including 10% who say they understand it very well.

As in the UK, the bigger challenge might be awareness building rather than explaining the concept.

Stablecoin insight #2: Traditional financial players are still the most trusted voices in stablecoin education

When it comes to learning about stablecoins, Americans lean toward established financial institutions. Around 26% say they would trust their bank to inform them, followed by independent financial advisers (23%) and financial news organizations (18%).

Regulatory and public institutions also play a role, with 15% pointing to financial regulators such as the SEC or CFPB, and an equal share to the Federal Reserve. The U.S. government itself is cited by 14%.

By contrast, cryptocurrency companies (11%) and fintech firms (10%) rank lower as preferred sources of information. Notably, nearly a third (31%) say they would not want to learn more about stablecoins at all.

What would Americans use stablecoins for?

Intent to use stablecoins is rather muted. Only 13% of all Americans say they are likely to use stablecoins in the future, while a further 12% remain undecided.

Among those open to the idea, the use cases are relatively broad. Investing leads the way, cited by 41%, followed closely by online shopping and saving money (both 39%). Sending money to friends or family (33%) and everyday purchases (32%) also feature prominently.

International transfers, often highlighted as a key use case, are cited by 28%, placing them slightly behind more domestic, consumer-oriented applications.

What are the perceived benefits of stablecoins?

Among Americans who say they understand stablecoins to any degree, the perceived benefits centre on payments. While international transfers rank low on the use cases list, they top the list of perceived benefits of stablecoins. Easier international transfer (31%) is the most cited advantage closely followed by a perceived ability to make faster payments (27%). A fifth of the audience also cites lower transaction costs (21%).

There is also some recognition of broader system-level benefits, including increased competition with traditional banks (19%) and greater financial innovation (17%), while 18% associate stablecoins with more control over personal finances.

However, the value proposition is far from universally accepted. Over a quarter (27%) say they do not believe stablecoins offer any benefits at all, and 19% remain unsure.

Security, fraud, and regulation dominate concerns

Concerns around stablecoins appear to be deeply entrenched. Among Americans familiar with the concept, the leading barriers are clear: 64% cite the risk of fraud or scams, while 55% point to cybersecurity risks.

Structural concerns follow closely behind. Around half highlight a lack of regulation (49%) and the risk of losing money (48%), while 45% say their own lack of understanding remains a barrier. Concerns about potential use in illegal activities (40%) also feature prominently.

Only 7% say they have no concerns at all—underscoring just how cautious sentiment remains.

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on April 13-14th, 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 2621 adults (aged 18+ years) in the US, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, race, gender, education, and region to be representative of all adults in the US (18 years or older), and reflect the latest population estimates from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.