New Study Finds Americans Want Access to Crypto Through Trusted Financial Institutions, but Most Say the Conversation Hasn't Started
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Americans understand and use crypto with confidence, released its 2026 Crypto at the Bank Report. The research shows that two in five Americans would be more likely to open an account with a bank that offers crypto, or use that bank for more of their financial needs.
The study, conducted with The Harris Poll, surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults to better understand how Americans think about crypto at their bank, credit union, or financial advisor. The findings point to a growing opportunity for financial institutions to offer a variety of crypto products that Americans express interest in, such as crypto ETFs or funds (22%), ability to buy and hold crypto (22%), and digital stocks, bonds or real estate (19%).
“While crypto platforms are increasingly offering access to traditional financial services, Americans expect the financial institutions they already know and trust to also offer crypto access,” said Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA. “Yet nearly two-thirds - 64% of consumers, about 168 million people - say no one at their bank, credit union, or advisor’s office has ever brought up the topic. The demand is sitting in front of these institutions, but most are missing the opportunity and haven't even started the conversation.”
Another 43% don’t know whether their bank offers crypto at all. And when banks and advisors do bring it up, they’re about four times as likely to recommend crypto as to advise against it (52% vs. 12%).
Interest in Crypto At The Bank
If a bank offered crypto, 35% of Americans say they would be more likely to open an account with that institution, while 36% say they would be more likely to use that institution for more of their financial needs. Those who say they’d be more likely to open an account outnumber those who’d be less likely by roughly two to one (35% vs. 18%).
Interest is particularly strong among younger adults, parents, and communities of color.
Consumer Group | % More Likely to Open Account With A Bank That Offers Crypto / Use That Bank For More of Their Financial Needs |
Parents of children under 18 | 62% |
Adults ages 35-44 | 58% |
Hispanic adults | 57% |
Black adults | 56% |
Adults ages 18-34 | 54% |
All adults | 42% |
Sources Of Trusted Crypto Information
Reliance on trusted financial institutions extends beyond buying crypto. While 29% want to buy through banks, brokerages, and retirement accounts, many people also rely on institutions to provide guidance.
Who Americans Feel Confident Can Provide Reliable Crypto Guidance | % Very / Somewhat Confident Each Source Can Provide Reliable Crypto Guidance |
Financial Advisors | 67% |
Bank or Credit Union | 64% |
Crypto Education Organizations | 63% |
Crypto Exchanges or Platforms | 63% |
Online Brokerages | 58% |
Financial News Media | 55% |
Friends, Family, or Colleagues | 47% |
Social Media or Online Communities | 39% |
“When people have questions about crypto, they aren't looking for hype. They want clear, trustworthy answers from the institutions they rely on,” said Ali Tager, Vice President of External Affairs at NCA. “Banks and financial advisors hold an established relationship of trust. By starting the conversation and offering educational resources, they can help everyday Americans navigate crypto safely and confidently.”
Looking Ahead
Americans increasingly expect crypto to become part of mainstream banking. Today 59% - about 156 million people - already say they would be very or somewhat comfortable with their primary bank holding crypto on their behalf. Looking forward, 60% expect most U.S. banks to offer crypto within the next decade. Expectations are particularly high among younger adults, with 74% of U.S. adults ages 18-34 anticipating widespread crypto offerings from banks within ten years.
As Americans increasingly expect crypto to become part of the financial institutions they already know and trust, access to clear, reliable education will become even more important. The NCA will continue working to help Americans understand and use crypto with confidence through research, educational resources, and real-world stories that make crypto easier to navigate.
About the National Cryptocurrency Association
The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to educating consumers about how to engage with crypto. Crypto is positively impacting the lives of millions of Americans but misinformation has held back those who stand to benefit. The NCA is here to help make sense of crypto by sharing the stories of real people and businesses using crypto, providing educational resources to navigate the hype and confusion, and offering guidance and support through partnerships and services. For more information, visit https://www.nca.org.
Methodology
The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association among 2,017 U.S. adults. The survey was conducted September 15-16, 2026.
Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, employment, household income, and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.
The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.
Contacts
National Cryptocurrency Association: media@nca.org
The post 112 Million Americans Are Ready for Banks to Support Crypto, According to New National Cryptocurrency Association Research appeared first on Crypto Reporter.