Telegram Launches Built-In Crypto Wallet for Its 87 Million U.S. Users
July 22, 2025 — Telegram has officially launched its integrated cryptocurrency wallet, TON Wallet, for its 87 million users in the United States. This move makes Telegram one of the first major messaging platforms in the U.S. to offer a self-custodial crypto wallet embedded directly within its app, allowing users to send, receive, and manage digital currency seamlessly without downloading additional software or extensions.
A Seamless Crypto Experience Inside Telegram
TON Wallet is built on the TON blockchain and developed by The Open Platform (TOP). Unlike traditional wallets that often require separate apps or browser extensions, Telegram’s solution is fully integrated into the messaging interface. Users can perform peer-to-peer transfers, swap tokens, stake assets to earn yield, and even purchase cryptocurrency with zero fees through a partnership with MoonPay — all directly within Telegram chats.
“This is the first time a self-custodial crypto wallet has been embedded into a mainstream messaging platform in the U.S. market,” said Andrew Rogozov, CEO of TOP, in an interview with CNBC. Rogozov emphasized that Telegram’s large and growing user base, many of whom are already engaged with crypto, makes the U.S. launch a timely expansion following regulatory clarifications.
Over 100 Million Global Activations in 2024
The wallet has seen significant global adoption since its 2024 rollout, with over 100 million users activating TON Wallet worldwide. However, the U.S. launch was initially delayed due to regulatory uncertainties. Rogozov noted a shift in regulatory conditions over the past year has made the U.S. market more approachable.
“We started considering the U.S. as a more interesting opportunity for us,” Rogozov explained. He also highlighted how TON Wallet is designed to reduce friction for users dealing with digital assets, reflecting crypto’s broader goal to remove borders and simplify financial interactions.
Simplified Security Through Split-Key Backup
TON Wallet employs a split-key backup system to balance security and ease of use. Users’ private keys are divided, with one half linked to their Telegram account and the other tied to their email. This approach eliminates the need for users to remember complex seed phrases, streamlining onboarding and empowering users with self-custody over their assets.
Expanding Telegram’s Crypto Ecosystem
Besides basic wallet functions, TON Wallet integrates with Telegram’s growing array of “Mini Apps” — small decentralized applications that provide diverse functionalities within the platform. The wallet also supports debit card on- and off-ramps through licensed providers, but notably, Telegram itself avoids directly offering regulated financial services.
While Telegram formally stepped back from the TON blockchain following the abandonment of its own crypto token project in 2020 — primarily due to SEC pressure — it has continued incorporating TON blockchain technology into features like tokenized usernames, stickers, and collectibles via marketplaces such as Fragment.
Competitive Implications and Market Impact
Telegram’s entry into the U.S. crypto wallet space positions the company as a potential competitor to established platforms like Cash App and Coinbase, especially if the convenience of a fully integrated messaging and finance platform attracts mainstream adoption.
By bridging messaging and decentralized finance, Telegram aims to create a more frictionless experience for digital asset users globally, reinforcing the company’s broader vision of a borderless financial ecosystem.
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