- Users can now send crypto in Telegram as easily as sending a regular message.
- TON Wallet gives U.S. users full control of private keys within the Telegram app.
- Telegram’s in-app TON Wallet supports DeFi tools, NFT trading, and direct bank withdrawals.
Telegram has begun rolling out its built-in TON Wallet to users in the United States, marking a major step in expanding its blockchain services. The wallet, built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain and supported by The TON Foundation, enables self-custodial management of digital assets. U.S. users can now access cryptocurrency tools directly within the Telegram app without needing external extensions or apps. This integration allows users to maintain control of their private keys and interact with crypto as easily as sending a message.
In-App Wallet Grants Users Direct Crypto Control
The TON Wallet allows users to store, send, and receive Toncoin (TON), Tether (USDT), and other TON-based tokens. Transactions of any kind are made via the Telegram interface, and any friction normally witnessed in the operations of traditional crypto wallets is removed. Users keep full control over their keys, as it is consistent with decentralized finance and personal custody. Tokens are sent similarly to a chat message, allowing a comfortable feel to a user new to cryptocurrencies. Such a user-focused interface helps Telegram achieve its mission of making access to Web3 tools easier.
The wallet doesn’t just provide support to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) but also comprises built-in trading instruments in the form of Omniston and Ston.fi. Third-party services enable users to stake tokens and increase involvement in the entire TON ecosystem. However, Telegram has added an off-ramp portal to enable users to withdraw the funds directly to bank cards. Via MoonPay, payment will be facilitated using options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards, and a 0% fee is attached to the purchase of USDT.
Globalization in the U.S. market.
The global usage has been very high, and this necessitated Telegram to expand to the U.S., as it has a total of 100 million users activating the TON Wallet in 2024. The number of Telegram users in the United States exceeds 87 million, presenting a major expansion opportunity for integrating Web3. Regulatory uncertainty had caused the U.S. launch to be postponed, but a change has occurred. These changes, including the updating regulations and the growth of users, made the U.S a strategic focus, according to the company executives.
Andrew Rogozov, CEO of The Open Platform (TOP), noted that the change in regulatory climate encouraged renewed focus on the American market. TOP, the developer behind the wallet, raised $28.5 million in a recent Series A funding round, achieving a $1 billion valuation. Investors include Ribbit Capital and Pantera Capital, signaling strong confidence in the platform’s growth potential. The rollout in the U.S. reflects a broader trend of integrating Web3 functionality into social platforms to onboard mainstream users.
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Enhancing Telegram’s Role as a Web3 Gateway
The Telegram wallet is a pathway to the developed Mini Apps universe of Telegram, featuring decentralized applications in the fields of payments, games, and finance. Egor Danilov, TOP Chief Product Officer, claimed that the wallet links users to the essence of TON infrastructure. The combination of these services makes Telegram a complete service for interacting with digital assets and blockchain services.
Telegram also has an intention to add other security measures to its communication platform, including transaction emulation, whitelists, blacklists, and fraud detection instruments. All these features are to assist the user in ensuring the interaction method is legitimate before transactions are acknowledged. Improved security remains consistent with Telegram’s dedication to its efforts in the protection of users and increasing crypto access.
The launch of the self-custodial TON Wallet represents a trend in the industry of integrating crypto directly into messaging apps. Allowing and facilitating fluent crypto transactions in everyday chat, Telegram lowers the adoption barriers to the blockchain to a large extent. The plan is consistent with the emerging need for safe, cross-border, and user-friendly digital financial services.
