Telegram plans to roll out a non-custodial Gram wallet this summer, embedding it directly into every client for its more than 1 billion users. The wallet will support zero-fee cryptocurrency transactions, a move that could dramatically lower the barrier for everyday crypto use.
What the wallet does
The wallet is non-custodial, meaning users hold their own private keys. Telegram won't have access to funds. It will be built into the app itself — no separate download or setup required. That integration is key: Telegram's user base is among the largest of any messaging platform, and the company is betting that frictionless access will drive adoption.
Why zero fees matter
Transaction costs have long been a pain point for crypto. Even small transfers on some networks can cost a few dollars. Telegram's zero-fee model removes that hurdle entirely. The company hasn't said how it will cover network costs, but the wallet is expected to use the TON blockchain, which Telegram has been developing for years. The Gram token is native to that chain.
Timing and rollout
Telegram says the wallet will launch this summer. No exact date has been given. The company has a history of ambitious deadlines, but this time the infrastructure is largely in place. The TON network is live, and Telegram has been testing wallet features in select markets. A global rollout to over a billion users is a different scale, though. The company will need to handle onboarding, security, and regulatory compliance across dozens of jurisdictions.
One open question: how regulators will treat a non-custodial wallet embedded in a messaging app. Telegram has clashed with authorities before, notably over encryption. A built-in crypto wallet could draw fresh scrutiny, especially in markets with strict digital asset rules.
