Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced the launch of Gram Wallet, a built-in non-custodial crypto wallet, which is set to be integrated directly into the messaging app.
According to Durov, the service is due to be rolled out in the summer of 2026. Users will be able to make instant cryptocurrency transfers within Telegram without having to install a separate app or switch to a third-party service.
The non-custodial model means that access to digital assets and keys remains with the user themselves, rather than with a centralised operator. This distinguishes the new product from the custodial Crypto Wallet service, which is already available on Telegram and enables the purchase, sale and transfer of cryptocurrencies via an infrastructure managed by the operator.
The technical specifications of the new wallet have not yet been fully disclosed. In particular, it is not known which cryptocurrencies will be supported in the initial phase, in which countries the service will be available, and how network fees will be paid when withdrawing assets to an external blockchain.
The main advantage of Gram Wallet could be its direct integration with Telegram’s user base, which numbers over a billion users. Users will not need to create a separate account with a cryptocurrency service, learn a new interface or search for a compatible wallet themselves.
Transfers of digital assets could potentially be linked to everyday messaging, payments for digital goods, purchases in mini-apps, payments to content creators and peer-to-peer transactions.
For Telegram, the launch of the wallet marks a further shift away from a traditional messaging app towards a ‘super-app’ model that combines communication, digital services, commerce and payments.
The messaging app already features mini-apps, paid subscriptions, digital gifts, the Stars system and services for creators. The inclusion of a built-in wallet could shorten the path between selecting a product or service and making a payment.
This is particularly important for mini-app developers. The fewer additional steps a user needs to take to make a payment, the higher the likelihood of a purchase, subscription or service payment.
The built-in wallet could boost interest in Telegram from games, marketplaces, educational platforms, booking services, financial apps and digital content creators.
Even if only a relatively small proportion of the audience starts using the new service, Telegram is capable of building one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency wallet user bases.
The TON blockchain and its associated cryptocurrency ecosystem stand to benefit most from the launch. Telegram previously selected TON as the primary infrastructure for blockchain functionality, tokenisation and the integration of digital assets into mini-apps.
An increase in the number of wallet users could boost the number of active addresses, transactions and applications on the TON network. At the same time, the practical use of the network’s native token for paying fees, digital goods and services could rise.
The Fragment trading platform, collectible gifts, digital usernames, anonymous numbers and other products linked to the Telegram and TON infrastructure could receive a further boost.
Formally, TON is developing as an independent blockchain ecosystem. Telegram abandoned its original cryptocurrency project following a dispute with US regulators in 2020. However, TON’s close integration with the messaging app effectively gives the blockchain access to Telegram’s user base.
For Telegram itself, the crypto wallet could become a tool for retaining users within the app. The more transactions users can carry out without leaving the messenger, the higher the audience engagement and the greater the platform’s appeal to businesses.
In the long term, Telegram will be able to generate additional revenue from commissions on partner services, advertising within mini-apps, the sale of digital goods and the expansion of its in-app economy.
At the same time, the mass roll-out of a non-custodial wallet creates additional risks. Users are solely responsible for the security of their keys and for confirming transactions. Losing access or transferring funds to fraudsters usually makes it impossible to recover assets.
Telegram will need to strengthen its defences against phishing, counterfeit tokens, bogus investment schemes and fraudulent mini-apps.
Regulatory requirements may pose a further constraint. Rules governing cryptocurrency wallets, customer identification and cross-border transfers vary from country to country. Consequently, certain features may be rolled out gradually or may not be available in some jurisdictions.
The claim regarding commission-free transfers requires further clarification. Internal transactions between Telegram users may not incur a separate fee, but withdrawing assets to external networks is usually subject to a blockchain fee.
Overall, the launch of the Gram Wallet could prove to be one of the most significant milestones in Telegram’s development. The messaging app will be able to bring together its user base, payments and mini-apps within a single environment, whilst TON will significantly expand the scope of