Telegram’s self-custodial TON Wallet now supports cross-chain deposits via MoonPay. Deposit USDC/USDT from Ethereum, Solana, or BSC with a 1:1 conversion. No bridges. No swaps. Just pure Web3 adoption. Here is how this changes the crypto payment gateway game.
Let’s be honest. How many times have you abandoned a dApp because the onboarding process felt like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded?
For years, the single biggest pain point in Web3 hasn’t been the technology inside the app—it’s been the KYC verification and the nightmare of cross-chain swaps required just to get started. You want to try a new game on Telegram? Great. First, go to a centralized exchange. Buy a token. Withdraw it to a specific network. Hope you have gas fees. Then swap it again.
It’s exhausting.
Wallet in Telegram just killed that friction. Today, the platform announced the launch of cross-chain deposits for its self-custodial TON Wallet. This isn’t just an update; it is a fundamental redesign of the Web3 user journey.
Quick Answer: Over 100 million users can now directly fund their TON self-custody accounts using USDC or USDT from Ethereum, Solana, TRON, BSC, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base—with a 1:1 conversion to USDT on TON. No additional bridges. No manual conversions.
But how does this actually move the needle for mass adoption? And why should digital marketers, Web3 founders, and Telegram ecosystem builders care about the LTV of a funded wallet? Let’s dive in.
What is TON Wallet? Redefining the Self-Custodial Experience
If you aren’t deep in the Telegram rabbit hole yet, let’s level set.
Wallet in Telegram isn’t just a bot that sends crypto. It’s a dual-wallet setup:
Crypto Wallet: A custodial/multi-chain option for sending assets to contacts instantly.
TON Wallet: The star of today’s show. A non-custodial wallet directly integrated into Telegram’s UI.
This self-custodial TON Wallet gives you full control over your private keys while letting you interact with The Open Network (TON) ecosystem. Think of it as MetaMask, but living natively inside the world’s largest messaging app.
Until today, the “cold start” problem was brutal. To use it, you already had to hold TON-native assets. It was a catch-22 that limited the conversion rate of curious users into active on-chain participants.
The Game Changer: Cross Chain Deposits Go 1:1
Here is where MoonPay enters the chat.
Through this strategic integration, Wallet in Telegram has abstracted away the complexity of cross-chain interoperability. Now, the deposit flow looks like this:
You open Wallet in Telegram.
You select Stablecoins (for 1:1 stablecoin deposits) or Other Crypto (to convert BTC/ETH/SOL to Toncoin).
You pick the originating network (Ethereum? Solana? Base?).
A deposit address is generated automatically.
You send your USDC/USDT.
Behind the scenes, MoonPay handles the cross-chain transfer.
Funds arrive in your wallet as USDT (TON) at a perfect 1:1 conversion rate.
No liquidity pools to navigate. No wrapped asset confusion. No “slippage” losses.
Supported Networks & Assets
| Feature | Details | User Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Stablecoin Deposits | USDC/USDT from Ethereum, Solana, TRON, BSC, Polygon, Arbitrum, Base | 1:1 conversion to USDT (TON). No value loss. |
| Crypto Swaps | BTC, ETH, SOL deposits | Auto-converted to Toncoin. |
| Withdrawals (Soon) | USDT (TON) -> USDC/USDT on other chains | Exit liquidity simplified. |
Why this matters for ROI:
If you are running a Telegram mini-app or a crypto payment gateway for a merchant, every extra click in the funnel costs you 20% of your users. By removing the “swap” step, Wallet in Telegram is effectively tripling your conversion rate overnight.
How This Supercharges the TON Ecosystem & Web3 Adoption
1. Lowering the Barrier to Entry for DeFi and Gaming
The TON ecosystem has been growing exponentially, but growth was capped by accessibility. You had to hunt for TON.
Now, a user holding USDC on Arbitrum can fund their TON self-custody wallet in under 60 seconds. This opens the floodgates for:
Telegram Gaming: Deposit stablecoins, play casino-style games, or prediction markets.
DeFi Yield: Access TON-based lending protocols without needing to first “acquire” TON on a CEX.
Content Payments: Tip creators directly from your Telegram wallet using assets you already own.
2. The Psychology of “1:1”
There is a massive behavioral economics win here. Crypto users hate losing value on “hop” transactions.
Have you ever swapped $100 USDC to USDT on a bridge and ended up with $97? It feels bad. It triggers purchase anxiety.
By guaranteeing a 1:1 conversion, Wallet in Telegram removes price friction. Users aren’t trading; they are moving. This subtle shift in language (Deposit vs. Swap) dramatically increases user retention.
Answer: Use the cross-chain deposit feature in Wallet in Telegram. Powered by MoonPay, this feature accepts USDC/USDT from major networks like Ethereum and Solana and credits your self-custodial wallet with USDT on TON at a 1:1 rate. It bypasses the need for bridges or centralized exchange withdrawals.
The Tech Stack: MoonPay as the Hidden Engine
To achieve this seamless cross-chain interoperability, Wallet in Telegram partnered with MoonPay.
MoonPay isn’t just for buying crypto with a credit card anymore. They have evolved into a backend infrastructure layer.
Deposit Detection: They monitor the sending chain for the transaction.
Asset Delivery: They manage the conversion and delivery of assets on the TON chain.
Native Integration: The entire flow lives inside the Telegram UI. The user never sees a third-party page.
“Users shouldn’t have to buy new assets or navigate complex steps just to fund an account,” said Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay. “We simplify the process by letting people use the crypto they already have.”
This is the future of Web3 UX. The blockchain should be invisible.
Step-by-Step: How to Deposit via Cross Chain in TON Wallet
Ready to test it out? Here is your quick-start checklist for funding a TON Wallet.
Open the Wallet: Access the Wallet bot in Telegram and navigate to the TON Wallet (self-custodial) section.
Navigate to Deposit: Tap the “Deposit” button. You will see two distinct paths:
Stablecoins: For 1:1 stablecoin deposits (Recommended).
Other Crypto: To convert BTC/ETH/SOL to Toncoin.
Select Source: Choose the token you are sending (USDC) and the network it is currently on (e.g., Solana).
Copy Address: A unique deposit address appears. Copy it or scan the QR code.
Send Funds: Go to your external wallet (MetaMask, Phantom, or Exchange) and send the funds to that address. Ensure you meet the minimum deposit requirement.
Verify: Confirm the transaction on the sending platform.
Receive: Funds arrive in your TON self-custody wallet, ready to interact with the ecosystem.
Quick Win: If you hold USDT on TRON (the cheapest network for stablecoins), this is the most cost-effective way to onboard to Telegram today.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: The “Self Custody” Reality Check
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile. Always verify contract addresses and network fees before initiating transfers.
While this launch is revolutionary for Web3 adoption, it’s crucial to maintain regulatory compliance and personal security hygiene.
3 Critical Errors to Avoid:
Ignoring Minimum Deposits: Every network has a minimum. Sending $5 USDT when the minimum is $10 might result in lost funds (or require customer support recovery).
Confusing Wallet Types: Remember, Wallet in Telegram offers a dual-wallet experience. Ensure you are depositing into the self-custodial TON Wallet, not the custodial “Crypto Wallet,” if you intend to use dApps.
Network Mismatch: The system is smart, but you aren’t invincible. Always double-check that the receiving address is designated for the network you are sending from.
The Future: Withdrawals, BTC Swaps, and the Open Network
This launch is Phase 1.
According to the announcement, users will soon be able to withdraw USDT on TON back to USDT or USDC on popular blockchains. This turns Telegram into a legitimate on/off ramp hub.
Additionally, the ability to deposit BTC, ETH, and SOL (auto-converted to Toncoin) lowers the barrier for high-net-worth crypto holders to park value in the TON ecosystem.
This is the ultimate LTV play.
Acquire a user. Let them deposit easily. Let them play/game/trade. Let them withdraw easily. Repeat.
About Wallet in Telegram
Wallet in Telegram is a digital asset solution natively embedded into Telegram’s interface. Backed by The Open Platform, Wallet in Telegram has gained 150M+ registered users to date and continues to grow. The company offers a dual-wallet experience with Crypto Wallet (a multi-chain wallet for trading and sending crypto to contacts) and TON Wallet (a self-custodial wallet with access to TON ecosystem of apps and TON-based digital assets).
About MoonPay
Founded in 2019, MoonPay is a global financial technology company that helps businesses and consumers move value across fiat and digital assets. MoonPay has more than 30 million customers across 180 countries and supports more than 500 enterprise customers spanning crypto and fintech.
Through a single integration, MoonPay powers on- and off-ramps, trading, crypto payments, and stablecoin infrastructure, connecting traditional payment rails with blockchains. MoonPay maintains a broad regulatory footprint, including a New York BitLicense, a New York Limited Purpose Trust Charter, and money transmitter licenses across the United States, as well as MiCA authorization in the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a self-custodial TON Wallet?
A self-custodial TON Wallet is a digital wallet integrated into Telegram where you, and only you, control the private keys. Unlike custodial solutions, the platform cannot access or seize your funds.
2. How do cross-chain deposits in Wallet in Telegram work?
They work by abstracting the bridging process. You send USDC on Ethereum; MoonPay detects the deposit, handles the cross-chain transfer, and delivers USDT on TON to your wallet. It happens automatically in the background.
3. Is there a fee for the 1:1 conversion?
The conversion from USDC/USDT to USDT (TON) is at a 1:1 rate with no hidden markup on the asset price. However, standard network gas fees apply on the sending network.
4. Can I deposit Bitcoin directly into the TON Wallet?
Yes. You can deposit BTC, ETH, or SOL. These are automatically converted into Toncoin upon arrival, not stablecoins.
5. Is this available globally?
Yes, the feature is rolling out to the 100M+ registered users of Wallet in Telegram. However, always check local regulations regarding crypto payment gateway usage.
6. What is the difference between “Crypto Wallet” and “TON Wallet” in Telegram?
The Crypto Wallet is a custodial, multi-chain wallet ideal for sending small amounts to friends. The TON Wallet is a non-custodial wallet specifically designed for interacting with the TON ecosystem and dApps.
7. Why is this better than using a bridge?
Bridges often use wrapped tokens (e.g., Wormhole USDC), require multiple approvals, and expose you to smart contract risk. This method delivers native USDT on TON directly, with no additional bridges required.
Conclusion
We’ve spent years talking about Web3 adoption. We’ve built the apps. We’ve written the smart contracts. But we forgot to build the door.
Wallet in Telegram, by launching cross-chain deposits in their self-custodial TON Wallet, just built the door.
They didn’t ask users to learn new habits. They didn’t demand users hold specific tokens. They simply said: “Bring what you have. We’ll handle the rest.”
For marketers, this is a massive shift in digital marketing ROI. Your ad spend no longer bleeds out at the “fund wallet” stage. For users, this is finally the non-custodial wallet that doesn’t feel like a chore.
Ready to experience the future of on-chain Telegram?
Open your Wallet app on Telegram right now. Try the new stablecoin deposits feature. Move $10 from Solana to TON. Feel how smooth it is.
Drop a comment below: What blockchain would you like to see supported next? Cardano? Avalanche?
