Messaging platform Telegram has officially extended access to its integrated self-custodial TON Wallet service to users located in the United States. This move facilitates direct cryptocurrency transfers, access to decentralized finance (DeFi), and integrated off-ramp capabilities, signaling a significant push to embed blockchain technology within social communication.
US users can now seamlessly send, receive, and hold assets like Tether’s USDT stablecoin, Toncoin (TON), and various TON-based tokens, including NFTs, directly within the Telegram application environment.
The wallet incorporates built-in trading and staking functionalities through established technical partnerships. Deals with platforms such as Omniston support token staking, while integration with decentralized exchange Ston.fi enables direct trading, eliminating the need for external applications.
To lower entry barriers, the service offers 0% fees on USDT purchases made via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or linked credit cards through the MoonPay infrastructure.
The launch specifically targets Telegram’s substantial user base of over 87 million individuals in the United States. It builds upon a significant global adoption trend that saw over 100 million users globally activate the TON Wallet during the previous year.
This expansion follows The Open Platform, the development entity behind TON Wallet, securing a substantial $28.5 million in a Series A funding round, which valued the company at $1 billion. The funding was earmarked to drive further innovation in Web3 and deeper integration of blockchain capabilities into the social media experience.