What is Telegram Wallet and how does it work?

Telegram Wallet is the crypto service built into the Telegram messaging app, opened through the @wallet bot. It lets users buy, hold, send and trade crypto without leaving their chats. It is run by The Open Platform (TOP), not by Telegram itself, and in September 2026 it was renamed Walt. For the token behind it, see what is Toncoin (Gram).

What is Wallet in Telegram called now?

On September 28, 2026, Wallet in Telegram rebranded as Walt, crypto.news reported, and existing funds and settings stayed the same. TOP describes Walt as a trading and holding platform. As of November 2026 it advertises more than 300 depositable assets across four blockchains, trading in over 200 crypto assets, tokenized stocks and metals, yield products and perpetual futures.

Walt is a different product from Money, the native wallet Telegram started rolling out in 2026. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced in July 2026 a non-custodial Gram wallet for Telegram's users. CoinGape reported on October 10, 2026, that it was named Money and was reaching more users, with Walt used to top it up. Access depends on the gradual rollout.

How does the TON wallet in Telegram work?

Inside Walt there are two kinds of account. The main crypto account is custodial, meaning the company holds the coins for you. Cointelegraph reported in May 2024 that this account requires a name, phone number and date of birth, with higher limits for users who submit ID and an address.

TON Space is a self-custody sub-wallet on The Open Network, announced in September 2023. The Paypers reported it was built by TOP and is not available in some places, including the US. Cointelegraph noted it was not subject to the 2024 identity rules.

Is Telegram Wallet safe?

It depends on which part you use. With the custodial account, your safety rests on the operator. It can set limits, ask for identity details and hold your funds, as with any exchange account. With TON Space or Money, you hold the keys, so losing your recovery details or approving a scam transfer cannot be undone.

Telegram groups are also full of impersonators, a risk covered in why is Telegram popular in crypto. Real wallet staff never ask for a recovery phrase.

Telegram Wallet vs Tonkeeper, what is the difference?

Tonkeeper is a standalone non-custodial TON wallet, with apps for iOS, Android, desktop, web and browsers. You hold the recovery phrase. Telegram Wallet lives inside Telegram, and its main account is custodial, which makes signup easier but leaves the company in control. TON Space and Money are closer to Tonkeeper in that you control the keys. The wider trade-off is explained in custodial vs non-custodial wallets.