Telegram has started rolling out its built-in digital wallet to users in the United States, representing a major step forward in its blockchain service expansion.

The wallet, known as TON Wallet, is built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain and is described as the first self-custodial crypto wallet integrated into a major social platform accessible to U.S. users, according to a Tuesday press release shared with Cointelegraph.

Backed by the TON Foundation, the wallet enables users to send, receive, and store digital assets directly within the Telegram app, removing the need for separate apps or browser extensions. With this integration, U.S. users can now engage with the broader TON ecosystem, which includes applications in gaming, payments, decentralized finance, and digital marketplaces—all accessible without leaving Telegram.

TON Wallet supports transfers of USDT, Toncoin, and other TON-based tokens, including NFTs. According to the company, transactions resemble the simplicity of sending a message, and users retain full control over their private keys due to the wallet’s self-custodial structure.

Additional functionality includes trading tools provided by Omniston and Ston.fi, token staking through third-party integrations, and fee-free USDT purchases when using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit cards via MoonPay.

The wallet also introduces an off-ramp option, allowing users to withdraw crypto directly to bank cards.

Egor Danilov, chief product officer at The Open Platform and Wallet in Telegram, told Cointelegraph that the wallet acts as the main gateway to TON’s Mini Apps. “The wallet is pivotal in connecting users with payments, games and onchain tools, all within a familiar environment they interact with daily.”

He also noted upcoming safety enhancements. “We’re soon introducing features such as whitelists, blacklists, transaction emulation and other advanced fraud detection tools to help users make safer choices before confirming transactions,” he said.

Beyond personal use, TON Wallet is expected to play a key role in powering Telegram’s in-app economy and enabling the growth of Mini Apps.

Outside the U.S. and Europe, the wallet is already embedded in Telegram’s main menu, with adoption spreading across Asia and Russia. In 2024, more than 100 million users globally activated the wallet. With over 87 million Telegram users in the U.S., according to Sensor Tower, the market presents significant growth potential.

TON Wallet was primarily developed by The Open Platform, a company focused on building Web3 applications for Telegram. On July 3, the company announced it had raised $28.5 million in a Series A round, reaching a $1 billion valuation. The funding round was led by Ribbit Capital, with participation from Pantera Capital.

Sources:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-launches-native-crypto-wallet-for-87m-us-users

https://sensortower.com/