The integration of cryptocurrency trading and custody services into mainstream financial applications is accelerating, with Walmart-backed fintech OnePay reportedly planning to launch these features by year-end. This strategic move signals a significant step towards broader consumer adoption of digital assets, positioning OnePay alongside established players like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal, all of which have already incorporated crypto functionalities into their platforms for U.S. users.
OnePay, established in 2021 through a collaboration between retail giant Walmart and venture capital firm Ribbit Capital, aims to function as a comprehensive digital finance hub. Its current offerings encompass high-yield savings accounts, debit and credit card services, peer-to-peer payment solutions, and buy now, pay later options. The planned addition of cryptocurrency trading, specifically for Bitcoin and Ether, will leverage crypto infrastructure provided by Zerohash, a Chicago-based company specializing in digital asset services for financial institutions.
The underlying rationale for OnePay’s expansion into crypto is rooted in its connection to Walmart’s extensive customer base. The fintech anticipates that many of its users, who are also frequent shoppers at Walmart’s nearly 4,600 U.S. locations, will express a desire to engage with cryptocurrencies – whether for spending, saving, or transferring – directly within the same platform where they manage their traditional finances. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between everyday commerce and digital asset management.
Operating as an independent entity distinct from Walmart, OnePay is designed to attract a wider demographic, particularly individuals who may be underserved by conventional banking systems. This operational structure allows the fintech to pursue an “everything app” strategy for digital finance, catering to a diverse user base beyond Walmart’s immediate shopper profile. The company’s emphasis on accessibility and comprehensive financial tools underscores a commitment to modernizing financial services for a broader market.
Supporting this initiative is Zerohash, which recently secured substantial funding, exceeding $104 million, from prominent financial firms including Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers. This capital infusion is earmarked for the expansion of its digital asset infrastructure tailored for banks and fintech companies, positioning Zerohash as a key enabler for financial institutions venturing into the cryptocurrency space. The partnership highlights the growing confidence in regulated and robust crypto infrastructure solutions.
Former Wall Street analyst turned crypto journalist, Marcus brings a decade of expertise in trading strategies, risk management, and quantitative research. He writes clear, actionable guides on technical indicators, portfolio diversification, and emerging DeFi projects.