Imagine sending crypto as easily as a text message. That’s the future Telegram is ushering in for its US users with the groundbreaking launch of TON Wallet, a self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet. Built directly into the popular messaging app and powered by The Open Network (TON) blockchain, this integration marks a significant first: a major social platform in the US now offers a native crypto wallet, eliminating the need for cumbersome external apps or browser extensions. It’s a bold step towards making digital assets truly accessible and integrated into daily online life for millions.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowerment. With TON Wallet, users gain full control over their private keys, enabling them to securely send, receive, and store a variety of digital assets, including popular stablecoin USDT, Toncoin, other TON-based tokens, and even NFTs. Beyond simple transfers, the wallet opens a gateway to the broader TON ecosystem – from exciting decentralized games and payments to DeFi applications and vibrant digital marketplaces. Users can also enjoy built-in trading tools via Omniston and Ston.fi, token staking, and even purchase USDT with zero fees using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit cards via MoonPay. And for the first time, an ‘off-ramp’ feature allows direct withdrawals of crypto funds to bank cards, seamlessly bridging the gap between digital and traditional finance.
Egor Danilov, Chief Product Officer at The Open Platform and Telegram Wallet, highlighted the wallet’s pivotal role as the primary entry point to TON’s burgeoning Mini Apps economy, connecting users with a world of on-chain tools and games. This US expansion builds on TON Wallet’s already impressive global footprint, with over 100 million users activating it outside the US and Europe in 2024. Given Telegram’s substantial user base of over 87 million in the US, this move represents a massive opportunity for mainstream crypto adoption. Developed primarily by The Open Platform, a Web3 tech company recently valued at $1 billion after a successful $28.5 million Series A funding round led by Ribbit Capital with Pantera Capital’s participation, TON Wallet is poised to transform how millions interact with digital assets, making Web3 a seamless part of their everyday.