Telegram Launches TON Crypto Wallet for U.S. Users

Telegram has officially turned its app into a crypto wallet for millions of Americans. The company has launched its TON Wallet in the United States, allowing 87 million U.S. users to send, receive, and store cryptocurrency without leaving the Telegram platform.

The TON Wallet works as an embedded feature inside Telegram’s interface. Once activated, it allows users to perform blockchain transactions in the same space where they send messages, media, and links. This eliminates the need for external crypto apps, browser extensions, or complicated wallet downloads.

The wallet operates on the TON blockchain, which was designed for fast, low-fee transactions. By integrating TON directly into its app, Telegram aims to remove the friction that typically comes with using crypto for peer-to-peer payments.

Over 100 Million Wallets Activated Globally

Telegram first rolled out the TON Wallet to international users in 2023. By the end of last year, more than 100 million people worldwide had activated the wallet, representing about 10% of Telegram’s global user base. These users were able to buy, hold, and transfer cryptocurrency directly inside their chats.

Despite its global success, the wallet remained unavailable in the U.S. until now due to legal concerns. Telegram had to navigate regulatory complexities around crypto services in the American market before it could expand access.

With the U.S. rollout now live, Telegram’s crypto ecosystem is set to grow further, adding one of the world’s largest digital markets to its blockchain platform.

Fast Transactions on the TON Blockchain

Telegram’s wallet is powered by the TON blockchain, a decentralized network built for speed and scalability. Currently, the TON network processes more than 334,000 transactions per day, handling everything from peer-to-peer transfers to decentralized apps.

Unlike older blockchains that struggle with congestion, TON was built to support mainstream consumer use. Its architecture allows for fast confirmations and minimal fees, making it suitable for in-app transactions where users expect speed and simplicity.

By connecting the TON blockchain directly to Telegram, users can move digital assets with the same ease as sending a text. There’s no need for public wallet addresses or private keys—the transactions happen directly between Telegram accounts.

No Extra Apps or Complex Setups

One of Telegram’s biggest selling points for the TON Wallet is its simplicity. Users don’t have to install additional software or learn complicated crypto mechanics. The wallet works inside the existing Telegram interface, eliminating the need for separate logins or third-party tools.

The process is designed for users who have never used crypto before. There are no seed phrases to memorize and no external wallet addresses to manage. Instead, the wallet connects to the user’s Telegram account, allowing for intuitive in-chat transactions.

This approach removes common entry barriers that have slowed crypto adoption in the past. Telegram’s wallet is positioned as a user-friendly bridge between mainstream communication and digital finance.

Telegram’s Second Attempt at Crypto Integration

Telegram’s relationship with blockchain technology dates back to 2018 when it first announced plans for a decentralized network called the Telegram Open Network, or TON. After facing legal challenges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2020, Telegram stepped away from directly managing the blockchain but allowed the TON community to continue development.

Today’s TON blockchain is an independent, open-source project, though Telegram remains closely tied to its growth. By embedding TON into its app, Telegram is giving the blockchain access to a vast user base of over 1 billion people globally.

The U.S. launch of the wallet is a strategic move. It signals Telegram’s renewed push into crypto services, but under a structure that avoids past regulatory pitfalls. By limiting the wallet to TON-based assets and offering it as an optional feature, Telegram aims to stay on the right side of compliance while expanding its platform’s capabilities.

Bringing Peer-to-Peer Crypto to the Chat Screen

The TON Wallet is designed to make crypto part of daily communication. Users can send payments during chats, split bills, tip creators, or transfer money to friends—without leaving the conversation thread.

By bringing financial tools into the same space where people already communicate, Telegram is reshaping how users interact with digital money. This could lead to more casual, everyday use of crypto, rather than the speculative trading that dominates other crypto apps.

For millions of Americans, this will be their first experience using crypto in a practical, social setting. With messaging and payments combined, Telegram is betting that blockchain transactions will eventually feel as natural as sharing a link or a meme.

Also Read: Telegram Introduces Trading and Earning Features in Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet