Telegram began rolling out its native cryptocurrency wallet to users in the US, marking a significant expansion of its blockchain-based services.
Built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, TON Wallet is the first self-custodial crypto wallet to be integrated into a major social platform available to US users, according to a Tuesday news release shared with Cointelegraph.
Supported by the TON Foundation, the wallet allows users to send, receive and store digital assets directly within the Telegram app, eliminating the need for external downloads or browser extensions, according to the announcement.
With access to TON Wallet, American users can now interact with the broader TON ecosystem, which includes a variety of applications ranging from gaming and payments to decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital marketplaces. The integration allows users to explore blockchain technology without leaving the Telegram interface, the company said.
TON Wallet enables direct crypto transfers
TON Wallet allows users to transfer USDT (USDT), Toncoin (TON) and other TON-based tokens, including non-fungible tokens.
Transactions function similarly to sending a regular message, and users maintain full control of their private keys through the wallet’s self-custodial design, the company said.
Additional features include built-in trading tools via Omniston and Ston.fi, token staking through third-party integrations and 0% fees on USDT purchases made through Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit cards using MoonPay.
For the first time, TON Wallet also offers an off-ramp feature that enables users to withdraw crypto funds directly to their bank cards.
Egor Danilov, chief product officer at The Open Platform and Telegram Wallet, told Cointelegraph that the wallet is the primary gateway to TON’s Mini Apps. “The wallet is pivotal in connecting users with payments, games and onchain tools, all within a familiar environment they interact with daily.”
He also highlighted efforts to safeguard users against scams and phishing. “We’re soon introducing features such as whitelists, blacklists, transaction emulation and other advanced fraud detection tools to help users make safer choices before confirming transactions,” he said.
Beyond its utility as a personal wallet, TON Wallet is expected to play a larger role in Telegram’s in-app economy and support the expansion of Mini Apps.
Related: Ethereum DeFi connects to TON and Telegram with Tac mainnet launch
The US has always been a key target for the expansion of TON Wallet
Outside the US and Europe, Telegram has already added the wallet to its main menu, making it available to users across Asia and Russia. According to the company, over 100 million users globally activated the wallet in 2024. Sensor Tower data shows that Telegram has more than 87 million users in the US, presenting a substantial growth opportunity for the wallet.
TON Wallet was primarily developed by The Open Platform, a tech company focused on creating Web3 apps for Telegram. On July 3, The Open Platform announced its successful $28.5 million Series A funding round, achieving a $1 billion valuation. The round was led by fintech specialist Ribbit Capital, with participation from prominent crypto venture capital firm Pantera Capital.
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