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- Polygon’s fee flip was driven by a 50% rise in daily transactions, fueled by AI payment agents and crypto cards.
- Despite a 28% monthly price drop, the U.S. government continues to hold over 328,000 BTC as a strategic asset.
- India remains the #1 country for crypto adoption, though lawmakers are still pushing for clearer legal protections.
The Polygon network has recently outperformed Ethereum in daily transaction fees, signaling a move toward more affordable, high-volume blockchain activity. While Ethereum has long been the dominant force for fee generation, Polygon’s daily intake recently climbed past the $300,000 mark, driven by a surge in real-world utility and micro-transactions.
The Rise of the “Micro-Transaction” Economy
This spike in activity isn’t just a fluke of market speculation. Data shows that daily transactions on Polygon jumped 50% in a single week. Much of this growth stems from the “micro-payment” sector—specifically monthly payment transfers, which have nearly doubled since late 2025 to reach almost 2 million transactions.
Industry analysts point to a new driver: payment-focused AI agents. These automated tools are increasingly using Polygon’s low-cost infrastructure for small-scale transfers. Coupled with a rise in crypto-linked debit cards and retail payment apps, the network is carving out a niche as the primary layer for everyday digital commerce.
Bitcoin Stalls While “Big Money” Holds the Line
While Polygon celebrates its network growth, the broader market remains in a tense tug-of-war. Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the $70,000 psychological barrier, falling over 28% in the last month. Retail investors have grown increasingly nervous, yet on-chain data reveals a different story among institutional players.
The United States government remains one of the world’s most significant “HODLers,” maintaining a massive stockpile of 328,372 BTC (roughly $22.5 billion). Under the current administration, the U.S. has pivoted toward treating Bitcoin as a strategic national asset, establishing a permanent Digital Asset Stockpile. This institutional backing, along with continued (though cooling) interest in Bitcoin ETFs, suggests that while the “crypto winter” jitters are back for retail, the largest entities are playing a much longer game.
Also Read: Polygon Burns Millions of Tokens — But Why Is POL Still Struggling?
Global Adoption Meets Regulatory Friction
The contrast in global strategy is nowhere more evident than in India. For the third consecutive year, India leads the world in grassroots crypto adoption. However, this massive user base is operating in a legal gray area. During the recent Union Budget 2026–27 debates, MP Raghav Chadha voiced concerns that the government is profiting from crypto taxes without providing a clear legal framework to protect its citizens.
As 2026 progresses, the divide is clear: users are flocking to functional, low-fee networks like Polygon for daily use, while world powers are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as the cornerstone of a new global financial strategy.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
