[Survey: Cryptocurrency Usage Surges in Australia, but Banking Restrictions Also Increase] According to a report by Jinse Finance on March 18, the latest report from cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve reveals that compared to the previous year, more Australians in 2026 are using cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services. However, banking restrictions continue to pose challenges for cryptocurrency users. This annual survey, conducted between January 12 and January 30, involved 2,000 'ordinary Australians.' The results show that the proportion of Australians using cryptocurrency to purchase goods or pay for services doubled from 6% to 12%. The report states: 'More and more Australians are viewing cryptocurrency as a practical payment method, rather than just a speculative tool.' Among respondents who used cryptocurrency for payments, 21% used it for online shopping, making it the most prominent real-world application. Another 16% of respondents said they used cryptocurrency to pay for freelance services, video game purchases, and other expenses. Despite the rising adoption rate, obstacles remain. Some respondents mentioned a lack of education and training on the subject, as well as the complexity of using the technology.