Telegram has activated its built‑in cryptocurrency wallet for its 87 million US users, finally bringing the TON Wallet (previously available to international audiences) into the American market. The wallet sits directly inside the Telegram app, offering new and existing users a seamless onramp to digital assets without leaving their chats.
Integration within the app
TON Wallet is embedded in the main menu of Telegram’s mobile and desktop clients. Users open the wallet interface just as they would any other in‑app feature. They maintain full control of their private keys in a self‑custodial design. The wallet supports Toncoin (TON) and any token built on the TON blockchain including stablecoins and non‑fungible tokens. Transactions appear in‑chat and mirror regular message flows to simplify the experience for those new to crypto.
Regulatory clearance and global adoption
Telegram first introduced the TON Wallet outside the United States in 2023 but delayed the US launch amid uncertainty over federal guidelines. Since its global debut more than 100 million users (about 10 percent of Telegram’s one billion active accounts) have activated their wallets. The TON network processes roughly 334 000 transactions per day, demonstrating strong usage ahead of the US rollout.
Core features and ecosystem access
Beyond simple transfers the TON Wallet connects users to the broader TON ecosystem. It offers token swaps, staking and DeFi integrations via partners such as Omniston and Ston.fi. Users can buy USDT with zero fees through Apple Pay Google Pay or credit cards powered by MoonPay. The wallet also provides off‑ramp tools so users can convert crypto to fiat and withdraw directly to bank cards.
Gateway to Mini Apps and services
The Open Network supports “Mini Apps”—lightweight on‑chain applications for gaming social finance and commerce. The wallet acts as the primary gateway to these services. In a future update Telegram plans to add fraud‑prevention tools like whitelists blacklists and transaction emulation to protect users from scams.
Security and user protection
Telegram and the TON Foundation prioritize safety when they design the wallet. The self-custodial solution implies that keys are never leaving the device belonging to the user. Future fraud detection tools will detect suspicious transactions and put the transaction on hold. Guidance given to users by the authorities encourages them to save recovery phrases and also to verify the identity of the peers before handing funds.
Market positioning and outlook
Telegram will be only one of the already existing crypto rails available in the US alongside Cash App and Coinbase Wallet. Its strength is that it is very much integrated into a messaging app that tens of millions use every day. The launch may spur the uptake of blockchain to the masses and increase the expansion of TON based services.
The introduction of TON Wallet by Telegram in the United States may be seen as a milestone towards combining the social communication and decentralized financial instruments. Telegram can make it simpler to integrate ecosystem as crypto-newcomers by providing them with a native wallet experience, high access to ecosystem, and the safety and security of the wallet they use.
