👛 Crypto Wallet vs. DeFi Account (TON Wallet): What’s the difference?
Choosing a crypto wallet usually comes down to one key question: who controls the private keys. That choice determines how much responsibility you take for securing your assets.
Wallet in Telegram makes this decision simple by offering a dual-wallet experience in one platform. Users can choose between a custodial Crypto Wallet and a self-custodial DeFi Account(formerly TON Wallet) – or use both.
Below, we explain the difference between custodial and self-custodial wallets and when each makes sense.
Two products. One platform.
Wallet in Telegram is a digital asset solution natively embedded into Telegram’s interface. It offers users two complementary products:
- Crypto Wallet is a custodial, multi-chain wallet designed for simplicity and everyday use
- DeFi Account is a self-custodial, on-chain wallet built for full ownership and deeper interaction with TON ecosystem
Users can easily switch between the two, combining convenience and control in one seamless experience.
Crypto Wallet: designed for ease and accessibility
Crypto Wallet is aimed primarily at casual users and those new to crypto. It removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with blockchain technology.
Key features include:
- Two-tap access directly inside Telegram
- Buying, selling, sending, and holding crypto in one place
- Support for 214 multi-chain assets, including:
- Hundreds of popular cryptocurrencies
- Stablecoins
- Digital gold
- 68 tokenized stocks
- 4 tokenized ETFs
What is a custodial wallet?
A custodial wallet is a wallet where a trusted provider securely manages the private keys on your behalf.
Because Crypto Wallet is custodial:
- You don’t need to manage seed phrases
- If you lose access, wallet recovery is possible
- Security, backups, and key management are handled for you
This makes Crypto Wallet an ideal gateway to digital assets, especially for users who value simplicity, speed, and peace of mind.
Additional benefits include:
- Exceptional Earn promotions for passive growth
- Seamless peer-to-peer transfers directly in Telegram chats
- A familiar, intuitive interface usable at any experience level
What is a self-custodial wallet?
A self-custodial wallet gives users full control over their assets by placing the private keys entirely in their hands.
DeFi Account: full ownership and on-chain freedom
DeFi Account is a self-custodial wallet built on TON blockchain. It is designed for users who want maximum control and deeper access to decentralized technologies.
With DeFi Account:
- You own and control your private keys
- Access is secured by a seed phrase, known only to you
- No third party can access or freeze your funds
DeFi Account enables:
- Interaction with DeFi protocols
- Access to TON-based decentralized apps (dApps)
- Managing NFTs
- Staking and on-chain investing within TON ecosystem
Through Wallet in Telegram, DeFi Account users also benefit from:
- Earn features
- 0% on-ramp fees for USDT transactions
It’s important to note:
If you lose your seed phrase, your wallet cannot be recovered. This level of independence comes with greater responsibility.
One experience, two approaches
Wallet in Telegram lets users choose what works best for them – or use both wallets side by side.
- Start with Crypto Wallet to explore crypto easily and securely
- Move to DeFi Account when you’re ready for full ownership and on-chain opportunities
Together, Crypto Wallet and DeFi Account offer the simplest and most flexible way to get started with crypto – without ever leaving Telegram.
Whether you value convenience, control, or a balance of both, Wallet in Telegram puts the choice in your hands.