Telegram is preparing to introduce a native non-custodial crypto wallet called Gram across its messaging app this summer, giving more than one billion users direct access to self-custodied digital assets, founder Pavel Durov announced.

The planned rollout could become one of the largest consumer-facing crypto integrations in recent years. According to Durov, the wallet will be available inside every Telegram app, removing the need for users to download a separate wallet in order to send, receive or manage digital assets.

Durov Calls It a Major Self-Custody Rollout

In a Telegram post, Durov described the planned launch as “the largest rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet in human history.” He also said users will be able to send cryptocurrency instantly with zero transaction fees, aiming to make crypto transfers as simple as sending a message.

A non-custodial wallet gives users direct control over their assets and private keys. By contrast, custodial wallets place control of private keys with a third party. Self-custody is a core principle in the crypto sector because it allows users to manage their funds without relying on centralized intermediaries, but it also places responsibility for key management and account recovery on users rather than a platform operator.

The announcement did not provide detailed technical parameters or a specific release date beyond the expected summer launch window. It also did not specify supported assets, regional availability, recovery features or how zero-fee transfers will be implemented. Still, the integration marks another step in Telegram’s effort to bring blockchain-based services into everyday communication tools.

Crypto Payments Inside Telegram

By embedding Gram directly into Telegram, the company is seeking to lower the friction typically associated with crypto wallet adoption. Users would not need to leave the messaging app or install a standalone wallet to interact with digital assets.

If broadly adopted, the feature would allow users to send, receive and manage crypto while remaining inside their conversations. The ability to make fast, no-fee transfers could support use cases such as peer-to-peer payments, tipping and international transfers within Telegram’s ecosystem.

Payment features inside messaging apps can also draw scrutiny around compliance, consumer protection and fraud prevention, especially when deployed across multiple jurisdictions. Telegram has not yet outlined how the Gram wallet rollout will address those operational questions.

Gram Returns to the Spotlight

The wallet announcement also highlights Telegram’s renewed engagement with the Gram identity. The name refers to the cryptocurrency originally associated with Telegram’s blockchain proposal in 2018, which was later abandoned because of regulatory issues.

More recently, the broader TON ecosystem has been shifting focus toward restoring the Gram identity and promoting Web3 services built around the Telegram ecosystem. The native wallet is one of the most visible consumer-facing products connected to that strategy.

A Large Potential User Base

Telegram has surpassed one billion monthly active users, giving the Gram wallet a potential audience that few standalone crypto applications can match.

If Telegram enables wallet functionality across its app, even partial adoption among users could significantly expand the use of self-custody wallets. The rollout also comes as major technology firms continue exploring blockchain-based financial services.

By making the wallet part of the core messaging experience, Telegram is positioning crypto as an integrated app feature rather than a separate product. Durov’s announcement drew more than 935,000 views in its first 10 hours, indicating substantial attention around the planned launch.

Telegram has presented the Gram wallet as one of the largest real-world deployments of crypto infrastructure for mainstream users expected this summer.