- Telegram has rolled out its self‑custodial TON Wallet to 87 million U.S. users
- The in‑app wallet supports Toncoin, USDT, Bitcoin, swaps, staking and fee‑free on‑ramps
- Toncoin’s price has jumped 3% after the launch amid U.S. regulatory progress
Telegram has launched its built-in TON Wallet for its 87 million American users, seamlessly integrating crypto features like Toncoin and USDT into chat conversations. The wallet functions in-app with a split-key recovery system and enables users to send assets, swap tokens, stake, and even purchase crypto with zero on-ramp fees, all without needing external apps. Following the announcement, Toncoin jumped approximately 3% as market sentiment reacted positively.
Seamless On-Ramp into Crypto
Telegram’s TON Wallet marks the first time a major U.S. messaging app has embedded a self‑custodial crypto wallet natively. It allows users to manage digital assets entirely within the messaging interface using a split-key system that ties recovery to both Telegram and email, eliminating the need for traditional seed phrases. Such a system has been trialled with other services such as WhatsApp, but integration has never moved past this stage.
Telegram’s crypto wallet supports Toncoin, USDT, NFTs, token swaps, and staking, all without leaving the chat environment, bringing a level of seamlessness that is sorely missing in the crypto space. Max Crown, CEO of the TON Foundation, stated that it was Telegram’s ambition to make decentralized finance “part of everyday life.”
Not only does the wallet simplify onboarding for mainstream users, but it also retains full non-custodial control, aligning with decentralized finance principles. With a built-in on‑ramp and off‑ramp via MoonPay, users can buy crypto using Apple/Google Pay or bank cards and withdraw funds to bank cards, all fee‑free for USDT.
Telegram’s Regulatory Turn
Telegram originally shelved its in-app crypto plans in 2020 after challenges from the Securities and Exchange Commission and legal issues surrounding its founder, Pavel Durov. However, the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance has allowed the company to continue its work. The company pulled its crypto wallet from the UK market last September after deciding not to pursue a license.
By embedding TON Wallet directly into its platform, Telegram is positioning itself as a facilitator of mainstream Web3 access. The app already hosts games, mini‑apps, DeFi tools and now cryptographic finance, complete with robust security features like transaction previews, whitelists, and blacklists to guard against fraud. With over 100 million wallets already activated globally, the U.S. rollout opens doors for mass adoption.
