Telegram Brings Crypto to U.S. Users with Built-In TON Wallet

Telegram users in the U.S. can now seamlessly send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies right inside the app—no additional downloads, browser extensions, or separate logins required.

The TON Wallet, a self-custodial crypto wallet built directly into Telegram’s interface, is now rolling out to U.S. users. This new feature is developed by The Open Platform (TOP) and powered by the TON blockchain. It enables users to send stablecoins and other tokens to their Telegram contacts just as easily as sending a message.

TOP claims this marks the first time a self-custodial crypto wallet has been embedded in a mainstream U.S. messaging platform.

Globally, the wallet has already seen significant traction, with over 100 million activations in 2024. Its delayed U.S. launch was attributed to regulatory uncertainty—but things have changed, according to TOP CEO Andrew Rogozov.

“We started considering the U.S. as a more interesting opportunity for us,” Rogozov told CNBC, citing evolving regulatory conditions and growing Telegram adoption.

He emphasized that a large number of crypto users are already active on Telegram, and sees the wallet as a crucial gateway to the platform’s expanding Mini Apps ecosystem.

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

To ease the onboarding process, TON Wallet features a split-key backup system—one part linked to the user’s Telegram account and another to their email—balancing security and simplicity.

“No need to download the wallet, no need to remember the seed phrase,” he said. “This is how we simplify the whole thing.”

TON Wallet offers features such as peer-to-peer transfers, token swaps, staking for yield, and zero-fee crypto purchases via a partnership with MoonPay. It also supports debit card on- and off-ramps, and connects users to decentralized apps through Telegram’s Mini Apps.

While Telegram officially distanced itself from the TON blockchain following regulatory hurdles in 2020, it has since gradually reintroduced TON-based services like tokenized usernames and collectibles via its support for Fragment.

TON Wallet’s arrival in the U.S. positions Telegram as a rising competitor to platforms like Coinbase and Cash App, especially as its crypto-friendly ecosystem gains traction with everyday users.

To stay compliant, TON Wallet avoids offering regulated financial services directly, instead relying on partners like MoonPay to handle licensed aspects of the transaction flow.