By 2025, the number of cryptocurrency owners has surpassed half a billion people — and this figure keeps growing fast. In this article, I’ll gladly break down the 7 main reasons why more and more people are investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Key Takeaways
- The global cryptocurrency market has surpassed $4.2 trillion.
- More than half a billion people already use crypto — from investing and saving to everyday payments.
What Are Cryptocurrencies?
A cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that exists only online. You can’t hold it in your hands, but you can use it to pay, send, or invest — everything happens instantly and without intermediaries. Over the past few years, cryptocurrencies have evolved from a niche experiment into a massive global market with a total capitalization of over $4.26 trillion. And of course, the first thing that comes to mind when people talk about digital money is Bitcoin — the coin that started it all. Today, its market value exceeds $2.46 trillion, and almost every second person on the planet has heard of it. So why have millions of people around the world already invested in crypto? Let’s explore the reasons behind this global phenomenon.
Why People Buy Cryptocurrency: 7 Key Reasons
There’s no strict order to these reasons — each one naturally flows into the next. Some people come for profit, others to protect their savings and gain financial freedom, and many are simply fascinated by the technology and new opportunities it brings.
1. Buying Cryptocurrency as an Investment
One of the most attractive reasons to enter the crypto world is the potential for high returns. Over the past decade, Bitcoin has become one of the most profitable assets in history — its price grew from just a few cents to tens of thousands of dollars. When a Norwegian man named Kristoffer Koch bought 5,000 BTC in 2009, he had no idea that his $26 investment would turn into millions a few years later. Stories like this are rare, but they inspire millions of people around the world. Of course, such growth is never guaranteed — but the potential for massive gains remains a powerful motivator. People enjoy owning coins and invest with the hope that their value will continue to rise.
2. Cryptocurrency as Protection Against Inflation and a Way to Preserve Savings
When national currencies lose value rapidly — for example, Argentina’s inflation rate exceeded 104% in 2023 — people start looking for ways to protect their savings. For many, the answer has been buying cryptocurrencies. In such cases, stablecoins are in high demand. These are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar or another stable currency, such as USDT or USDC. In countries with unstable economies, people buy stablecoins to protect their money from devaluation.
3. Financial Independenc
Cryptocurrencies give people full control over their assets. Unlike traditional banks, where accounts can be frozen or restricted, users manage their crypto portfolios freely and securely. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable tool for safe storage. Gem Wallet is a self-custody, open-source, multichain wallet that supports over 100 blockchains. With it, you manage your crypto independently, with maximum security and privacy.
4. Understanding Digital Innovation via Crypto
Many people buy cryptocurrency not just for profit, but to better understand the world of digital technology. They’re curious about how blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts work — so they start by buying crypto, for example, Ethereum, which powers thousands of applications from finance to gaming and digital collectibles.
5. Widespread Adoption and Everyday Use of Crypto
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being bought not for speculation, but for real payments. More and more people use USDT, SOL, BNB, and other coins to pay for goods, services, transfers, and even salaries. With crypto, you can instantly send money to family or friends 24/7 — across borders and with minimal fees. In 2023, for example, a transaction worth $1.1 billion was made through the blockchain with a fee of only $3.5 — something impossible in the traditional banking system. Today, digital currencies have become part of everyday life: you can pay for airline tickets, hotel bookings, mobile services, and even coffee at Starbucks. Major companies including PayPal, Microsoft, and McDonald’s officially accept Bitcoin as a means of payment. All this proves one simple truth — cryptocurrency is no longer an exotic concept but a familiar financial tool used by millions of people around the world.
6. Diversifying an Investment Portfolio With Cryptocurrency
Many investors see cryptocurrency as part of a balanced asset allocation. The golden rule of financial literacy — “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” — applies here as well. Even large corporations like Tesla have invested around $1.5 billion of their corporate funds in Bitcoin as part of their financial strategy. Crypto has become one of the tools for portfolio diversification and capital protection, alongside stocks, bonds, real estate, and gold.
7. Participation in the Crypto Infrastructure
For many people, buying crypto is a way to take part in the ecosystem itself. Users stake tokens, add liquidity to pools, farm yields, collect NFTs, and play blockchain-based games. For example, TRX holders earn between 3% and 5% annually through staking TRON, while owners of ETH, ATOM, SOL, and other tokens enjoy similar returns. This participation not only generates income but also helps strengthen and expand the decentralized financial world.
How to Securely Purchase Crypto With Gem Wallet
Gem Wallet lets you buy crypto securely, quickly, and in just a few taps — right from your credit card inside the app.
Choose the Cryptocurrency and Amount
Open the token you want in the wallet, tap Buy, and enter the purchase amount — it can be as little as $5–10, for example, a small amount of TRX to cover network fees, or any other cryptocurrency you prefer, such as Bitcoin for $100–200 or any amount up to $20,000.
Select a Provider and Pay Conveniently
Gem Wallet offers low fees, global coverage, and dozens of payment options. You can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, SWIFT, or other popular methods. Simply select a partner and complete a quick verification to confirm your purchase.
Receive Crypto Directly in the Wallet
Once the transaction is confirmed, the cryptocurrency will automatically appear in your wallet. You’ll instantly see the updated balance and get a notification — fast, easy, and without extra steps.
Buying BTC with credit card or Apple Pay
