Staking, Swapping, and Spending Crypto Inside Telegram? US Users Can Now Do It All Without Leaving the App

Telegram’s Built-In Crypto Wallet Launches In The US With No Extra Apps Needed

Telegram users in the United States can now send, receive, and manage cryptocurrency directly within the messaging app.

The rollout of TON Wallet, embedded into Telegram’s interface, removes the need for separate downloads or external logins.

This self-custodial wallet, developed by The Open Platform (TOP) on the TON blockchain, gives users full control over their private keys while simplifying crypto transactions.

How Does TON Wallet Change Crypto Access On Messaging Apps?

Unlike traditional wallets, TON Wallet allows users to transfer stablecoins and digital tokens as easily as sending a message.

Andrew Rogozov, CEO of TOP, shared,

“With Wallet in Telegram, sending digital assets feels as simple as sending a message, no friction, no extra steps.”

He added,

“Users stay in full control of their keys and funds. This isn’t just a wallet, it’s a gateway to a universe of Telegram apps powered by TON, right inside the messenger people use every day.”

The wallet supports peer-to-peer transfers, token swaps, and staking to earn yield.

Users can purchase crypto without fees using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or debit cards through a partnership with MoonPay.

Importantly, TON Wallet also offers the option to cash out crypto directly to bank cards, marking one of its first off-ramp features.

Why Did The US Launch Take Time And What Changed?

The US rollout had been postponed due to regulatory concerns.

Rogozov told CNBC,

“We started considering the U.S. as a more interesting opportunity for us.”

He drew attention to recent shifts in regulation and Telegram’s expanding user base.

Telegram currently has more than 87 million users in the US, a significant market considering the wallet already boasts over 100 million activations worldwide in 2024.

How Does TON Wallet Fit Into Telegram’s Broader Crypto Vision?

Telegram itself stepped back from direct involvement with the TON blockchain after abandoning its original token project in 2020 under pressure from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Yet, the company continues to integrate TON-based features like tokenised usernames and collectible stickers.

TON Wallet serves as a central hub connecting users to the broader TON ecosystem, including Mini Apps for games, payments, and decentralised finance tools.

Egor Danilov, Chief Product Officer at TOP, highlighted the wallet’s role:

“The wallet is pivotal in connecting users with payments, games and onchain tools, all within a familiar environment they interact with daily.”

Upcoming security features aim to protect users from scams with tools such as whitelists, blacklists, and transaction emulation.

Could Telegram’s Wallet Rival Established Crypto Platforms?

TON Wallet’s US launch positions it alongside platforms like Coinbase and Cash App.

However, Telegram’s advantage lies in its direct connection to millions of users within a single app.

Rather than becoming a regulated financial service itself, Telegram partners with licensed providers like MoonPay to manage fiat currency flows, thereby avoiding complex legal challenges.

This approach could attract users looking for a seamless crypto experience integrated with their everyday messaging.

As Rogozov put it,

“Our goal, our mission here, is to remove as much friction as possible. And this is basically what crypto is trying to solve, especially at the global scale, by removing all the borders.”

With over 1 billion global Telegram users, and wallet activation rates climbing, TON Wallet’s arrival in the US might soon turn everyday messaging into a gateway for mainstream crypto adoption.