Bitcoin Surpasses Gold as 50 Million Americans Hold Crypto

According to a report by River, nearly 50 million Americans own Bitcoin, a figure that exceeds the number of U.S. gold holders, despite declining online interest in the cryptocurrency, as noted in a Google Alert titled “El interés por el bitcoin en EE. UU. cae a su nivel más bajo en casi cinco años.” The data highlights a paradox in cryptocurrency adoption, where significant ownership growth occurs alongside reduced public engagement.

The River report, which analyzed consumer financial behavior and digital asset holdings, estimates that 49.8 million U.S. adults hold Bitcoin as of 2026. This surpasses the estimated 45 million Americans who own physical gold, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The findings challenge assumptions about cryptocurrency’s popularity, as Bitcoin’s market capitalization has remained stable despite a 40% drop in Google search trends for the asset since 2022, per the Google Alert.

“Bitcoin’s ownership base has grown substantially, even as mainstream media coverage and social media discussions have waned,” said a spokesperson for River, a financial analytics firm specializing in digital assets. “This suggests that adoption is becoming more institutionalized, with fewer retail investors driving the market.”

The report attributes the shift to increased use of cryptocurrency through investment platforms and wallet services, rather than direct consumer interest. Over 70% of Bitcoin holders in the U.S. acquired the asset through brokerage accounts or exchange-traded funds, according to River’s analysis. This contrasts with earlier adoption phases, where individual traders and online communities drove growth.

Market analysts note that Bitcoin’s value has fluctuated widely in recent years, but its user base has expanded steadily. The 2026 figure represents a 25% increase from 2023, when 39.8 million Americans were estimated to hold the cryptocurrency. This growth coincides with regulatory clarity in the U.S., including the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in 2024, which lowered barriers to entry for retail investors.

Comparisons to gold highlight Bitcoin’s evolving role in personal finance. While gold remains a traditional store of value, Bitcoin’s digital nature allows for easier transfer and storage, appealing to younger demographics. “Gold is still preferred for physical wealth preservation, but Bitcoin’s liquidity and technological infrastructure are reshaping how people think about assets,” said Dr. Emily Zhang, an economist at the University of Chicago. “The 50 million threshold is a significant milestone, but it’s not a direct replacement for gold in all contexts.”

The decline in public interest, as reflected in the Google Alert, aligns with broader trends in cryptocurrency discourse. A 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of U.S. adults were “somewhat” or “very” aware of Bitcoin, down from 74% in 2022. However, awareness does not always translate to ownership, with only 15% of Americans reporting direct Bitcoin holdings in 2025, according to the same study.

Investment firms have responded to this shift by emphasizing long-term growth over short-term speculation. Fidelity Investments, for example, reported a 30% increase in Bitcoin-related client inquiries in 2026, citing “increased trust in digital asset custodianship.” Similarly, Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, saw a 12% rise in active users, though its user base remains concentrated among high-income households.

The data also raises questions about the accuracy of self-reported ownership figures. Some experts caution that surveys may overestimate Bitcoin holdings, as respondents may confuse cryptocurrency with other digital assets. “There’s a need for more rigorous verification methods,” said Mark Thompson, a regulatory analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. “While the 50 million number is plausible, it’s essential to distinguish between ownership and awareness.”

Looking ahead, the report suggests that Bitcoin’s growth will depend on further institutional adoption and regulatory frameworks. The SEC’s ongoing litigation with major exchanges, including Binance and Kraken, could influence future market dynamics. Meanwhile, the rise of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) may alter how digital assets are perceived and used.

For now, the River report underscores a complex landscape where Bitcoin’s user base expands despite waning public attention. As the asset moves beyond niche communities, its role in the broader financial system will likely continue to evolve, shaped by technological advancements, regulatory decisions, and shifting consumer behavior.