Telegram brings message-style crypto transfers to US with TON Wallet launch

Telegram has officially launched its cryptocurrency wallet powered by The Open Network for users in the United States.

As disclosed in a July 22 press release, TON Wallet is now available to American users directly within the Telegram app, making it the first self-custodial crypto wallet integrated into a major social messaging platform in the US market.

US users can now send, receive and manage digital assets, including Toncoin and stablecoins, without requiring separate downloads, browser extensions, or seed phrases.

Developed by The Open Platform (TOP), TON Wallet was built on the TON blockchain and designed to function seamlessly within Telegram’s chat interface. 

Its launch in the US follows TON’s aggressive expansion efforts across major markets such as Asia and Russia, where over 100 million users have already activated the wallet in 2024.

TON wallet seeks to make crypto transactions a frictionless experience by allowing users to complete transactions in a format that closely resembles sending a regular message.

The wallet

Among some of the key features, the wallet supports swaps, staking, and zero-fee purchases via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards through MoonPay integration. 

To simplify the onboarding process while preserving self-custody, TON wallet employs a split-key backup system, with one part tied to the user’s Telegram account and the other to their email address.

Users can also manage their funds and explore Telegram’s growing network of Mini Apps, which include decentralised games, DeFi services, and marketplaces.

For traders, the wallet also connects to token trading tools like Omniston and Ston.fi.

The Open Platform is also developing several additional features, set to be gradually introduced, including whitelists, blacklists, transaction emulation, and other advanced fraud detection tools to help users make safer choices before confirming transactions.

Speaking about the launch, The Open Platform CEO Andrew Rogozov said TON is expected to become a “fundamental part” of the Telegram ecosystem, citing improved regulatory conditions and growing user demand as key drivers behind the US rollout.

Outside the US, the wallet has already been added to Telegram’s main menu for users in Asia, Russia, and other international markets.

Now, with more than 87 million users in the US alone, Telegram sees the American launch as a major opportunity to grow its blockchain ecosystem.

TON blockchain avoids major crisis

Although the launch marks a major milestone, it came just a day after TON-focused security firm TonBit revealed a critical vulnerability with the TON Virtual Machine that could have caused network-wide disruption.

Fortunately, the vulnerability, which could have led bad actors to launch a denial-of-service attack across the platform, was swiftly patched right ahead of the deployment of Global Version 11.

TON also recently became the centre of controversy around a staking programme linked to the UAE’s Golden Visa initiative.

The offer promised long-term Toncoin stakers the chance to obtain residency in the UAE, but government officials later denied endorsing the project.

The TON Foundation had to eventually clarify that the announcement was premature and that the digital residency initiative was an independent project with no official backing from the UAE government.

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