GRAM Price Jumps 9% as Telegram Expands Money Wallet

GRAM, formerly known as Toncoin, surged 9% to $1.56 after Telegram expanded access to Money, its native non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet. The rollout introduces digital asset transfers and collectible purchases to more users across the messaging platform, which has over one billion users worldwide.

The expansion marks another step in Telegram's strategy to integrate cryptocurrency payments directly into its ecosystem, potentially increasing GRAM adoption and transaction activity.

According to an announcement on Friday, Telegram's Money wallet is becoming available to a wider audience after previously being limited to selected users. The service allows users to send, receive and store GRAM without leaving the messaging application.

Users can access the Money feature after receiving their first cryptocurrency transfer. They can also fund their wallets through Walt in a few simple steps. Transactions are designed to settle instantly without network fees, making cryptocurrency transfers more accessible to everyday Telegram users.

Beyond payments, Money supports purchases involving Telegram gifts and collectible usernames, strengthening the connection between digital assets and the platform's growing virtual economy.

Although Money and Walt operate within Telegram's cryptocurrency ecosystem, they serve different purposes. Money focuses on non-custodial GRAM payments and collectibles, giving users direct control over their digital assets.

Walt, meanwhile, offers broader cryptocurrency services, supporting more than 300 assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana. Its features also cover tokenized stocks, precious metals, perpetual trading and earning opportunities. Unlike Money, Walt provides custodial services alongside a separate decentralized finance wallet.

The Telegram Money wallet expansion coincided with a significant recovery in GRAM price, reversing bearish pressure recorded over the previous week.

Market data showed GRAM's market capitalization climbing 9% to $4.12 billion, while its 24-hour trading volume increased 41% to $132.4 million, reflecting stronger trading activity following the announcement.

Telegram's cryptocurrency expansion also follows the rebranding of Toncoin to GRAM, while the underlying TON blockchain retained its original name.

The latest rollout could strengthen GRAM's role in Telegram's payments ecosystem by simplifying access to digital assets. However, wallet availability still depends on individual user eligibility and the platform's phased deployment schedule.