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Walmart-backed fintech OnePay is preparing to launch cryptocurrency trading and custody features for its 1.5 million users, marking a major step in the retail giant’s digital finance evolution. The move could position OnePay among leading U.S. fintech players such as PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, all of which have embraced digital assets in recent years.
The OnePay crypto integration, set to go live by the end of 2025, will allow users to buy, hold, and convert Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) directly in the mobile app. The initiative is powered by Zerohash, a Chicago-based blockchain infrastructure provider that specializes in secure trading, custody, and asset conversion APIs.
For crypto investors, the announcement reinforces mainstream confidence in digital assets; for policy makers, it underscores the growing challenge of integrating cryptocurrencies within regulated consumer finance; and for the general public, it represents the continued blending of retail banking and blockchain technology.
Launched in 2021 through a joint investment between Walmart and Ribbit Capital, OnePay offers a range of financial services — including payments, savings, credit, and mobile plans — to millions of American users. The upcoming OnePay crypto integration adds another layer to its ecosystem, moving the platform closer to becoming a full-fledged “super app” that combines traditional and digital financial tools.
According to reports citing individuals familiar with the matter, OnePay’s crypto services will be rolled out before the close of 2025. Users will be able to seamlessly manage Bitcoin and Ether holdings within the same app they use for day-to-day financial transactions.
By leveraging Zerohash’s infrastructure, Walmart aims to reduce development and compliance hurdles while ensuring the app meets anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards. Still, compliance challenges persist as regulators scrutinize fintechs venturing into crypto custody and retail trading.
For Walmart, the OnePay crypto integration aligns with a long-term strategy to link its vast retail network with financial technology — a move that could redefine consumer banking in the digital age.
Zerohash, which recently raised $104 million in a funding round involving Morgan Stanley, is set to power the Walmart crypto expansion through its institutional-grade infrastructure. The firm’s technology enables licensed partners to integrate trading, custody, and conversion features without developing blockchain systems in-house.
For Walmart, the partnership minimizes compliance and technical risks while expediting its entry into crypto services. However, challenges remain. Adhering to U.S. securities laws, anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements will be essential to maintaining regulatory compliance.
The integration will also demand strong security measures. Custody risks, insurance protocols, and transaction oversight must be reinforced to protect users from volatility and operational failures.
As regulators tighten scrutiny around consumer crypto platforms, policy makers will likely view the Walmart crypto expansion as a test case for balancing innovation with consumer protection in the financial technology space.
By merging crypto capabilities with Walmart’s vast retail ecosystem, OnePay aims to strengthen customer engagement and encourage all-in-one financial management within the app. The Walmart crypto expansion could leverage the retailer’s massive customer base, linking digital payments and in-store purchases under one system.
However, neither Walmart nor Zerohash has confirmed the official launch date. Volatile crypto markets and evolving U.S. regulations continue to pose risks for large-scale rollouts. Still, for many crypto investors, Walmart’s entry into digital assets represents a powerful signal of mainstream adoption.
Globally, similar developments are unfolding. Financial institutions like Deutsche Börse’s Clearstream and BNY Mellon are developing regulated digital asset custody solutions. The Walmart crypto expansion, though consumer-focused, fits within this larger global movement, integrating crypto with traditional finance in practical, accessible ways.
The OnePay crypto integration is part of a broader international movement where fintech and banking institutions increasingly embrace blockchain technologies. In the U.S., players like Anchorage Digital and Bakkt already provide institutional-grade custody services, while in Europe, Deutsche Börse’s Clearstream and BNY Mellon are developing regulated crypto custody and settlement frameworks.
Unlike these institutional models, OnePay’s focus remains squarely on retail consumers, merging fintech convenience with enterprise-grade security. This hybrid model could become a blueprint for other consumer-focused platforms seeking to offer crypto services without sacrificing compliance.
As regulatory clarity continues to evolve, Walmart’s OnePay crypto integration highlights how traditional corporations are cautiously navigating the intersection of commerce, finance, and digital assets, signaling a shift toward broader, mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in everyday financial life.
