13% of Gen Z Have Paid for Dates With Crypto, OKX Survey Finds
A new survey from cryptocurrency platform OKX has disclosed that about have paid for this year’s Valentine’s dates using cryptocurrencies. The U.S-focused survey of approximately 1,000 Gen Z adults also found that crypto’s role in gifting, fundraising, and bill-splitting is increasing, reflecting wider cultural acceptance of digital money beyond traditional investment and trading use cases.
It also shows the is more comfortable spending digital assets for everyday expenses than older people, revealing broader integration of crypto into social experiences and financial habits among younger adults.
Gen Z Crypto Habits Extend Beyond Trading and Investing
The OKX survey highlighted a few trends in how Gen Z engages with cryptocurrency. First, 13% of the respondents said they paid for dates with crypto, while others reported using digital assets in contexts that reflect social platform rather than pure trading or investment. These included giving crypto as a gift to friends or partners, contributing to group expenses through digital payments, and using crypto for leisure-related costs such as travel or shared experiences.
Survey results also highlighted younger adults’ broader confidence in handling crypto payments. A significant portion of Gen Z respondents said they felt comfortable sending and receiving crypto for everyday transactions, an experience that has historically been challenging among older generations. The results suggest that familiarity with mobile wallets, apps, and low-fee blockchain transfers is fostering adoption beyond speculative trading.
Respondents noted a range of motivations for using crypto in social settings. Some cited convenience and speed as key drivers, while others pointed to cultural affinity with web-native financial tools. A smaller group expressed that using crypto for social or personal expenses felt modern due to the integration of crypto tools into mobile devices. However, the survey also showed some reservations among a category of Gen Zs who are concerned about market volatility, security, and tax complexity.
Financial Literacy Remains Crucial to Next Gen Crypto Users
Beyond payments for dates and social activities, many of the Gen Z respondents reported viewing digital assets as an educational tool to learn about investing, decentralized finance (DeFi), and financial autonomy.
However, the data also underscored that financial literacy remains a barrier to broader crypto adoption. A significant portion of those surveyed said they felt they needed a better understanding of how cryptocurrency works, particularly regarding tax implications, custody, and risk management. This aligns with wider industry conversations around the importance of as adoption expands beyond niche investor communities.
Despite these challenges, the survey’s findings suggest that Gen Z’s relationship with money and technology is evolving. Digital assets are no longer viewed solely as tradable assets, as they are increasingly woven into personal and social finance. Once financial literacy and risk awareness are addressed better, we could view a future where crypto becomes normalized in both economic and cultural platforms.
