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Monero dominates payment trends: a 2025 review

Payment Stats | Monero Dominates Transactions in 2025

By

Daniel Kim

Jan 4, 2026, 01:04 AM

Edited By

David Lee

3 minutes of duration

A graphic showing Monero's growth in cryptocurrency payments compared to other coins like Bitcoin and Nano.

A surge in Monero usage has been documented over the past year, with reports now confirming it as the top choice for crypto payments in 2025. Some months, Monero outperformed all other cryptocurrencies combined, sparking discussions on its mainstream potential.

Monero's Yearly Dominance

Monero emerged as the most utilized cryptocurrency starting May 2025, maintaining its lead throughout the year. This highlights a significant shift in users' preferences towards privacy-focused coins in payment implementations. Analysts note that, "Monero is by far the best crypto for regular payments." The upward trajectory has surprised many, especially given Monero's reputation.

A Comparison of Top Coins

Here’s how the most used coins stacked up this year:

  • Monero: Most used, with significant monthly peaks.

  • Nano: Surprisingly strong second-place contender, often noted for its lack of transaction fees. "I guess Nano is popular as it has no transaction fees?" noted a commenter.

  • Bitcoin: Came in third with increased usage after Lightning integration, especially for larger transactions.

Interestingly, even with a much larger market cap, both Litecoin and USDC fell behind Monero and Nano. "Some coins disappoint," a source expressed, specifically highlighting EGLD and Kaspa's minimal transaction activity.

Integrations That Matter

Payment processors like BTCPayServer have been recognized for their exceptional support of these top coins. Merchants are advised to adopt this platform for better handling of Monero, Nano, and Bitcoin transactions, emphasizing its "fully self-custodial" nature. As one source put it, this software is an "amazing piece of software" for businesses aiming to lower costs on credit card fees.

"If you want to save on credit card costs, start with Monero," stated a business owner, encouraging others to consider shifting towards more crypto-friendly transactions.

Recommendations for Merchants

  • Utilize BTCPayServer for diverse crypto payment options.

  • Consider Monero for its growing adoption and privacy features.

  • Monitor transaction trends for ongoing shifts in preference among payment methods.

Key Insights

  • ✦ Monero led cryptocurrency transactions consistently throughout 2025.

  • ✦ "Our payment stats match BitPay's, to an extent," revealing the ongoing rivalry in market positioning.

  • ✦ Not every crypto is seeing usage growth; certain expected players remain underperforming.

The shifting sands of cryptocurrency preferences reveal that Monero's alignment with privacy and user demand may pave the way for wider acceptance in future transactions. As the market adapts, could Monero become the go-to choice for everyday payments?

Eyeing the Future

As Monero continues to dominate transactions in 2025, analysts estimate a strong possibility that its usage will rise further, potentially reaching over 60% of daily crypto transactions by 2026. The growing demand for privacy in financial transactions drives this shift, with merchants increasingly seeking secure options. With payment processors adapting to these trends, businesses that embrace Monero may enjoy not just cost savings but also customer trust. Meanwhile, alternatives like Nano may see stable growth, as long as their zero transaction fee model remains attractive. There's also a chance that Bitcoin may regain ground with more Lightning Network integrations, making it relevant for everyday transactions in larger amounts.

Parallel in Progress

Consider how the rise of credit unions in the 1980s disrupted traditional banking models. At the time, many viewed credit unions as mere alternatives, overshadowed by larger institutions. However, those small and member-focused organizations gradually gained support due to their customer-centric approach, mirror-like to how Monero is fostering a community around privacy. Just as credit unions evolved to meet consumer needs, Monero’s privacy features appeal to today's growing demand for secure transactions. This historical lens shows how a shift in consumer preferences can recalibrate financial landscapes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the evolving desires of people.