KEY FACTS: The Open Network (TON) Foundation has launched TON Pay, a wallet-agnostic payments software development kit (SDK) that enables merchants and developers to integrate seamless cryptocurrency checkout flows directly into Telegram Mini Apps, effectively positioning the messaging platform, with its over 1.1 billion monthly active users, as a native crypto checkout layer for the TON blockchain. The tool supports payments in Toncoin (TON) and stablecoins like Tether's USDt (USDT), offering sub-second transaction times, average fees below one cent, and simplified processes that eliminate complex wallet setups, upfront gas fees, multi-step checkouts, and fragmented settlements for a frictionless, in-app experience rivaling traditional fiat systems. Nikola Plecas, vice president of payments at the TON Foundation, highlighted that merchants can "accept payments seamlessly and natively on TON through a simple SDK integration," with initial focus on Telegram Mini Apps and planned expansions to web environments, subscriptions, gasless transactions, and region-specific fiat off-ramps via compliant third-party partnerships.
Source: Telegram Foundation
TON Launches TON Pay SDK to Make Telegram a Crypto Checkout Layer
The Open Network (TON) Foundation has unveiled TON Pay, a new payments software development kit (SDK) that positions Telegram as a powerful crypto checkout layer for the TON blockchain. This launch aims to transform the massively popular messaging app, boasting over 1.1 billion monthly active users, into a seamless hub for everyday blockchain-based commerce, making cryptocurrency payments as straightforward as sending a message.
Announced on February 9, 2026, TON Pay introduces a wallet-agnostic payment solution tailored primarily for Telegram Mini Apps. Developers and merchants can now integrate a single, streamlined SDK to accept payments in Toncoin (TON), the network's native token, as well as stablecoins like Tether's USDt (USDT). The tool eliminates many traditional hurdles in crypto transactions, such as complex wallet setups, multi-step checkouts, upfront gas fees, and fragmented settlement processes.
Nikola Plecas, vice president of payments at the TON Foundation, emphasized the simplicity and scalability of the new system. According to Plecas, merchants can accept payments seamlessly and natively on TON through a simple SDK integration. He highlighted its compatibility with various wallets and tokens, enabling sub-second transaction times and average fees below one cent, features designed to rival or surpass traditional fiat payment systems in speed and cost-efficiency. The ultimate vision, according to Plecas, is to "power transactions for Telegram’s global audience of over 1.1 billion monthly active users."
TON Pay embeds payments natively within Telegram's ecosystem to address longstanding barriers to mainstream crypto adoption. Users no longer need to navigate external wallets or endure high fees and delays. Instead, transactions occur directly in-app, leveraging Telegram's intuitive interface for a frictionless experience. This approach could significantly boost on-chain activity within Telegram Mini Apps, which already host games, services, and e-commerce tools.
The rollout begins with a focus on Telegram Mini Apps, the lightweight web-based applications that run inside the messenger. An image from Telegram illustrates these Mini Apps in action, showcasing their potential as interactive, embedded experiences. Future expansions are already on the roadmap.
The TON Foundation plans to extend TON Pay support to web environments and additional platforms. Upcoming features include subscriptions, gasless transactions (where fees are covered or abstracted away), and region-specific fiat off-ramps through partnerships with third-party providers. These collaborations will handle custody, compliance, and conversions to local currencies, striking a balance between decentralization and real-world regulatory needs. Optional merchant enhancements, such as analytics dashboards and multiparty-computation wallets for added security, are also in development.
TON Pay enters a competitive landscape where major platforms are racing to become "everything apps" that combine messaging, social features, and integrated finance. Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) has outlined ambitions for X Money, aiming to embed financial services deeply into its platform. Similarly, Coinbase has rebranded its wallet as the Base app, positioning it as a comprehensive crypto "everything app" with social elements, payments, trading, and on-chain Mini Apps on its Base layer-2 network. Also, InLeo is also ready to launch its mobile app that integrates social activities, AI and swaps, with data fetched on the Hive blockchain.
This development builds on TON's growing momentum within Telegram. The blockchain, originally conceived by Telegram founders but later handed to an independent community, has evolved into the preferred infrastructure for the app's Web3 features. Recent integrations include in-chat crypto transfers, USDT support, and tools that make payments feel as natural as texting. With TON Pay, the ecosystem takes another step toward realizing Telegram as a true super-app for messaging, commerce, and decentralized finance.
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