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Telegram Integrates Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet for 87M US Users

Telegram launches its self-custodial TON Wallet for 87 million US users, introducing in-app crypto management, zero-fee trading, and DeFi access. The rollout marks the first such move by a major social platform in the US.

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By Olivia Hall

3 min read

Telegram Integrates Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet for 87M US Users
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For the first time, millions of Americans can manage their cryptocurrency directly inside Telegram’s messaging app, with no separate downloads or third-party logins. Built-in crypto tools are set to make sending digital assets as simple as sending a message.

The newly launched TON Wallet is natively woven into Telegram’s interface, a move that promises to reshape how digital currencies fit into everyday communication.

Direct Crypto Management for the US

US-based Telegram users now have immediate access to a self-custodial wallet inside the app. This removes the need for external tools, letting users send, receive, and store leading cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Toncoin right alongside their chats.

Integrated through Telegram’s settings and messaging interface, the wallet aims to reduce technical barriers. "We've embedded crypto natively into Telegram, not as an add-on, but as part of how people already communicate," noted Andrew Rogozov, CEO of The Open Platform, which developed the wallet.

Did you know?
TON, initially developed by Telegram, now processes over 5.5 million transactions daily-far surpassing many established blockchains.

Zero-Fee Trading and Instant Payments

Through partnerships with MoonPay, Omniston, and Ston.fi, users can purchase crypto with zero trading fees using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank cards. The wallet also features token staking, built-in trading tools, and, for the first time, an off-ramp to withdraw funds directly to US banks.

The launch provides access to Telegram's growing mini-apps ecosystem. Users can now access blockchain games, lending applications, and decentralized finance services, all linked to their wallet.

ALSO READ | JPMorgan Poised to Roll Out Loans Backed by Crypto in 2026

Regulatory Roadblocks Delayed US Launch

TON Wallet’s US launch follows nearly two years of anticipation. Regulatory uncertainty had kept the rollout on hold, despite the wallet’s earlier availability in Asia, Europe, and Russia. TechCrunch reports that the clearing of compliance hurdles in 2025 made the platform's US debut possible.

Over 100 million users worldwide activated the TON Wallet in 2024, accounting for about 10% of Telegram's billion-strong global user base. The TON blockchain currently supports about 334,000 transactions daily for US users alone.

Behind the Ton Wallet: The Open Platform’s Growth

The Open Platform is the main force behind TON Wallet’s accelerated adoption and technical backbone. Recently, Ribbit Capital led a $28.5 million Series A round, propelling the company to a $1 billion unicorn valuation. Contributions from industry heavyweights, including Pantera Capital, highlight investor confidence in Telegram’s blockchain ambitions.

Building on this funding, The Open Platform continues to create a suite of blockchain-powered mini apps and infrastructure tools tailored for Telegram’s environment. The US market expansion is seen as a high-stakes gateway for mainstream crypto use.

The TON Blockchain: Roots and Road Ahead

TON debuted as the Telegram Open Network in 2018, designed by Nikolai Durov for immense transaction capacity. When Telegram exited the project in 2020 after US regulatory pushback, the ecosystem evolved under the TON Foundation’s stewardship. Today, the network processes more than 5.5 million daily transactions, powering both DeFi platforms and decentralized storage systems.

Recent initiatives, like the Open League rewards program and Toncoin payments for channel holders, have driven a 47% jump in daily wallet usage and more than doubled overall assets held in TON by users. The current integration with Telegram’s main app is already drawing attention as a major leap toward mass crypto adoption.

What’s Next for US Crypto Adoption?

As America’s 87 million Telegram users gain instant access to digital assets, both the potential for mainstream crypto and its challenges come under focus. While the regulatory climate remains an open question, direct integration could spark a wave of innovation, redefining how the US interacts with digital money as messaging, finance, and blockchain merge in one platform.

Will Telegram’s new crypto wallet change how Americans use digital assets?

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