By Juliet Orbo
In a major leap toward integrating finance with social messaging, Telegram has announced plans to roll out crypto transaction capabilities for users in the United States. The new feature will allow American users to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies directly within the Telegram app — signaling a bold push into the fintech space and further blurring the lines between social communication and digital finance.
This development follows Telegram’s ongoing global crypto efforts through its TON (The Open Network) blockchain ecosystem, and is expected to significantly expand the app’s user engagement, especially in the fast-growing U.S. crypto market.
A Seamless Crypto Experience Within the App
Telegram users in the U.S. will soon be able to access a built-in wallet that enables them to perform crypto transactions with the same ease as sending a message. Whether it’s tipping a content creator, paying a friend, or storing tokens, users will be able to do so without ever leaving the app interface.
The company has partnered with Wallet, a self-custodial crypto wallet developed on the TON blockchain, to provide this new functionality. According to the team, the wallet supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Toncoin (TON) and Bitcoin, with plans to add stablecoins and more tokens in the near future.
A Telegram spokesperson noted:
“Our goal is to make crypto as simple as texting. With this rollout, we’re not just adding a feature — we’re reshaping how people think about digital money.”
U.S. Entry Amid Regulatory Challenges
Telegram’s expansion into the U.S. market comes after years of regulatory tension with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 2020, Telegram was forced to shut down its original TON token project and return $1.2 billion to investors due to SEC pressure over alleged unregistered securities offerings.
Since then, TON has evolved into a decentralized, community-led blockchain project, independent from Telegram’s direct control — a distinction that now allows the messaging giant to legally offer crypto services in the U.S. without breaching regulatory boundaries.
Industry experts believe this move has been carefully calibrated to avoid legal pitfalls. By positioning the Wallet as a third-party mini app and offering optional, self-custodial storage, Telegram may sidestep regulatory red flags while still tapping into the massive U.S. crypto user base.
Growing Competition in Social Finance
Telegram’s crypto integration comes at a time when several social platforms are racing to embed financial tools into their ecosystems. Apps like Twitter (X), WhatsApp, and Signal have all explored blockchain payments or tipping systems in various forms, but Telegram’s implementation appears to be the most comprehensive and user-friendly to date.
With over 900 million global users and growing popularity among crypto-savvy audiences, Telegram is uniquely positioned to drive mass adoption of digital currencies through its messaging platform.
What It Means for Users
For users in the U.S., the rollout will mean:
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Ability to send crypto like Toncoin and Bitcoin as easily as sending a photo or emoji.
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No need for third-party exchanges or external wallet apps.
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Enhanced security and privacy via self-custody features.
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Possible integration with Telegram bots, channels, and mini-apps for business payments, content monetization, and peer-to-peer transactions.
Early adopters are already calling the move a “game-changer” for how crypto is used in everyday life.
Telegram’s decision to enable crypto transactions for U.S. users is more than just a new feature — it represents a strategic shift toward becoming a full-fledged super app that merges communication, commerce, and digital finance. As the crypto landscape matures and becomes more accessible, Telegram’s latest move could pave the way for a new era of social-powered finance.
The feature is expected to roll out in phases over the coming weeks. For many in the U.S. crypto community, Telegram may soon become more than just a messaging app — it could become their new digital wallet.
