- Nearly 18% of Americans have used or owned cryptocurrency.
- 84% would use DeFi for online shopping, 78% for paying bills, and 77% for saving.
- 54% want full control over their personal and financial data.
A new study by the DeFi Education Fund, conducted with Ipsos, reveals growing interest in alternative financial systems across the United States.
The survey highlights widespread frustration with traditional banks and a desire among many Americans for greater control over their money. At the same time, interest in decentralized finance continues to rise.
Nearly one in five Americans has owned or used cryptocurrency, while an even larger group is curious about exploring DeFi as a way to manage transactions without relying on intermediaries.
These findings underscore the breadth of financial dissatisfaction and the ongoing shift toward digital finance.
Growing demand for access to DeFi
The study shows that 42% of Americans would try DeFi if regulations made access easier.
Of those, 84% said they would use DeFi for online shopping, 78% for paying bills, and 77% for saving money.
Despite this interest, only 12% of respondents described themselves as very or extremely eager to learn about DeFi, highlighting a gap between potential use and deeper understanding.
Four in ten participants believe DeFi could help reduce transaction and service fees that are often seen as too high in the current banking system.
About 22% of Americans are also curious about blockchain, crypto, and other nontraditional financial models.
The research highlights interest across age groups and communities, indicating broad demand for alternative financial options.
Declining trust in traditional banks
Trust in the banking sector remains low. Only 40% of respondents trust large national banks, while 43% trust regional or community banks.
Less than half of Americans feel the financial system meets their needs, and only 25% believe it benefits ordinary people.
The survey further shows that 56% of Americans want full control over their money, and 51% want the ability to send money digitally without involving a third party.
Foreign-born Americans expressed particularly strong interest in these capabilities.
Security concerns are also pronounced; only 29% of respondents believe the financial system is secure.
Many participants cited current fees as barriers to inclusion, underscoring demand for alternatives.
Lawmakers consider regulating cryptocurrencies
The findings come as lawmakers and industry leaders actively shape crypto policy in the U.S.
Efforts to regulate digital assets could directly influence adoption, especially since 42% of Americans link their interest in DeFi to easier access through legislation.
The study also finds that 54% of Americans want full control over their personal and financial data, reflecting broader privacy concerns in digital transactions.
The intersection of public demand, regulatory debate, and emerging technologies could play a decisive role in how DeFi evolves in the United States in the coming years.
Data suggest the finance conversation is no longer limited to banks and regulators; ordinary Americans increasingly seek a different kind of system.
Rising participation in crypto markets and ongoing policy debates will continue to shape how quickly DeFi moves into the mainstream.