Telegram Launches TON Wallet for Its 87 Million U.S. Users, Bringing Crypto Management Directly Into the App
Published: July 22, 2025 – 9:00 AM EDT | By MacKenzie Sigalos
Telegram, the widely used messaging platform, has officially launched its integrated cryptocurrency wallet, TON Wallet, to its 87 million users in the United States. This launch marks a significant step in making cryptocurrency more accessible by enabling users to send, receive, and manage digital assets directly within the Telegram app without the need for additional downloads, browser extensions, or separate logins.
Seamless Crypto Experience Inside Telegram
Built-in as a self-custodial wallet, TON Wallet allows users to control their own private keys securely. Developed by The Open Platform (TOP) and powered by the Telegram Open Network (TON) blockchain, the wallet facilitates easy transfers of stablecoins and other digital tokens to contacts as effortlessly as sending a message. According to the company, this is the first time a self-custodial crypto wallet has been embedded into a mainstream messaging platform in the U.S. market.
Over 100 Million Users Worldwide Already Adopted TON Wallet
The wallet has seen remarkable global adoption, with more than 100 million users activating TON Wallet throughout 2024. However, its launch in the U.S. was postponed for some time due to regulatory uncertainties. Andrew Rogozov, CEO of TOP, stated in an interview with CNBC that shifting regulatory conditions and Telegram’s expanding user base in the U.S. made this market increasingly attractive.
“We started considering the U.S. as a more interesting opportunity for us,” Rogozov explained, highlighting the significant crypto user base on Telegram. He emphasized that the wallet is fundamental to supporting this community by offering a way to store digital assets and interact with Telegram’s growing ecosystem of Mini Apps, which are lightweight applications integrated within the messaging platform.
Simplifying Crypto Onboarding and Use
TON Wallet features an innovative split-key backup system designed to balance security and ease of use. One part of the backup key is tied to the user’s Telegram account, while another is linked to their email, enabling self-custody without the complexity of memorizing seed phrases.
“No need to download the wallet, no need to remember the seed phrase,” Rogozov said. “This is how we simplify the whole thing.”
Users can engage in peer-to-peer transfers, swap tokens within the wallet, stake assets to earn yield, and purchase cryptocurrencies without fees through a partnership with MoonPay. The wallet further supports on- and off-ramps via debit card integration and connects seamlessly with decentralized applications inside Telegram’s Mini Apps.
Telegram’s Continuing Evolution with TON Blockchain
Though Telegram officially distanced itself from the original TON blockchain project after abandoning its crypto token initiative in 2020 amid SEC regulatory pressure, the company has steadily integrated TON-related features such as tokenized usernames, stickers, and emojis into its platform. It has also supported projects like Fragment, a collectibles marketplace built on TON.
By expanding TON Wallet into the U.S., Telegram is positioned to become a more prominent player in the crypto wallet arena, competing with established platforms like Cash App and Coinbase. While the wallet currently avoids offering directly regulated financial services, it leverages partnerships with licensed providers such as MoonPay to handle fiat currency exchanges securely and compliantly.
Aiming to Remove Friction in Crypto Adoption
"Our goal, our mission here, is to remove as much friction as possible," said Rogozov. "And this is basically what crypto is trying to solve, especially at the global scale, by removing all the borders."
As Telegram continues to innovate at the intersection of messaging and finance, the rollout of TON Wallet in the U.S. could redefine how millions of users interact with cryptocurrency—making digital assets as easy to send and receive as a simple chat message.
For more technology and crypto updates, keep following CNBC Tech News.