Walmart’s OnePay to add crypto trading and custody services

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By Marcus Davenport

The fintech firm OnePay, a venture backed by retail giant Walmart, is poised to integrate cryptocurrency trading and custody services into its burgeoning mobile application. This strategic move positions OnePay directly against established financial players like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, all of which have already ventured into offering digital asset services to their user bases. By incorporating Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, OnePay aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

Later this year, OnePay users will gain the ability to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum through a partnership with the infrastructure startup Zerohash. This integration will allow customers to hold cryptocurrencies directly within the OnePay app and, crucially, convert them into fiat currency for everyday expenditures. The converted funds can then be utilized for in-store purchases or to settle credit card bills, effectively creating a fluid conduit between digital assets and conventional payment methods. This functionality underscores OnePay’s ambition to become a comprehensive financial hub.

Founded in 2021 by Walmart and Ribbit Capital, OnePay is steadily expanding its service portfolio to construct what it terms an “app for everything” within the fintech sector. The platform already offers high-yield savings accounts, debit and credit cards, buy-now-pay-later loans, and even mobile service plans. The addition of cryptocurrency features is intended to enhance its appeal to younger, tech-savvy demographics who expect seamless integration between banking and digital assets. The company’s application has seen significant traction, ranking fifth among free finance applications in the Apple App Store, outperforming established institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and fintech competitors like Robinhood and Chime. A key competitive advantage is its distribution channel: integration into Walmart’s U.S. checkout process provides access to over 150 million weekly shoppers.

The introduction of crypto services by OnePay mirrors a broader trend across the U.S. financial services industry. Since policy shifts regarding digital assets during the Trump administration, major banks and fintech firms have accelerated their adoption of cryptocurrencies. Morgan Stanley, for instance, recently announced plans to grant its retail clients direct access to cryptocurrencies via its E-Trade platform. Concurrently, OnePay’s partner, Zerohash, secured $104 million in funding last September from investors including Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers, solidifying its standing as a significant provider of crypto infrastructure.

By embedding cryptocurrency functionalities within its rapidly growing application, OnePay aims to capitalize on mainstream adoption at scale. With the backing of Walmart and an expanding ecosystem of integrated services, the fintech company is strategically positioned to emerge as a key influencer in the U.S. digital finance arena.

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