Although cryptocurrency emerged partly as a response to the failures and misconduct of banks during the 2008 financial crisis, nearly two decades later, the public remains unconvinced by that narrative and continues to rely on traditional banking institutions for their financial needs, according to recent polling commissioned by Decryptnews.

In an online survey, 65% of respondents indicated a greater trust in banks over cryptocurrency when it comes to financial inclusion, while only 5% favored crypto. Although a slight majority (52%) believe the movement is more than a temporary trend, 60% view crypto as having a predominantly negative impact on the economy.

These findings come from a poll of 1,000 randomly selected U.S. voters conducted last week by research firm Public Opinion Strategies. The survey aims to capture public sentiment as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence issues navigate through Congress, federal regulators, and political campaigns leading up to this year’s congressional midterm elections.

This article is part of a Decryptnews series on voters’ views for the 2026 midterm election.

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The perception that banks are safer than crypto arrives at a critical juncture for the industry, as its lobbyists compete with the banking sector over the crypto industry’s most significant policy objective: the Senate’s Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. Banks have contended that stablecoin rewards could directly compete with their interest-bearing deposit accounts and threaten a migration that could stifle U.S. lending. Their arguments have delayed the Clarity Act for months, but recent indications suggest the bill may begin progressing in the coming days.

Despite some public skepticism, crypto has made significant strides in a short period to become part of the U.S. financial landscape and culture. Approximately one in four people report having invested in crypto (27%), though most entered the market several years ago, and only 2% hold more than $10,000 in digital assets.

It appears the information the public is consuming about the industry is not improving its image, with more than half (53%) forming a less favorable impression due to recent news coverage. When considering crypto, supporters tend to focus on its potential profitability, while skeptics emphasize the scams associated with the sector.

About 46% of people have no involvement with crypto and have no desire to engage with it, leaving 27% who haven’t invested yet but might be open to it. Negative views are most prevalent among those over 45, with distrust increasing significantly with age. Males, Republicans, and minority groups show the most consistent affinity for crypto, according to the data.

The AI question

Similar to crypto, AI also faces significant distrust from older respondents, while younger people’s views are more mixed.

Overall, 55% believe the risks of AI technology outweigh its benefits. However, younger demographics, males, and Republicans are slightly more likely to support its advancements, mirroring their attitudes toward digital assets. Crypto owners are also much more likely to support AI’s benefits, with 64% stating its pursuit is worth the risks.

While U.S. corporations have embraced AI across nearly all business aspects, new data on public perceptions reveals the negative perception gap that emerging technologies must overcome for widespread acceptance. The crypto industry has placed its hopes on eventual inclusion in the U.S. financial regulatory system to gain broader acceptance and provide comfort to those concerned about oversight. However, this process depends on a deeply divided Congress and the deliberate pace of federal regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nevertheless, key regulators appointed by crypto-supporting President Donald Trump have pledged to act as swiftly as possible to bring digital assets into the mainstream. Key senators have also suggested the Clarity Act will finally receive the necessary hearing in May, keeping it potentially viable for 2026 passage.

Decryptnews will release data from this survey on Tuesday at Consensus Miami.