Bitcoin News Today: OnePay's Crypto Integration Bridges Walmart Shopping and Digital Assets

Walmart-backed fintech OnePay is set to introduce Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services later this year, marking a significant step in its evolution as a U.S. financial superapp. The platform, which operates as a joint venture between Walmart and venture capital firm Ribbit Capital, will partner with crypto infrastructure startup Zerohash to provide these services. This integration allows OnePay to offer secure custody and trading without developing the technology in-houseThe Crypto Basic^[1]. Users will be able to store Bitcoin and Ethereum within their OnePay wallets and convert the digital assets into cash for use in Walmart store purchases, card balance payments, or bill settlementsCNBC^[2].

The move aligns with OnePay's broader strategy to compete with global superapps like WeChat by bundling banking, payments, and digital services into a single platform. Since its 2021 launch, OnePay has expanded its offerings to include high-yield savings accounts, credit and debit cards, buy-now-pay-later loans, and wireless phone plansWinning with Walmart^[3]. The addition of crypto services closes a key competitive gap, as rivals like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App already provide similar features. OnePay's rapid growth is evident in its current ranking as the fifth most popular free finance app on Apple's App Store, surpassing established players like JPMorgan Chase and RobinhoodThe Crypto Basic^[4].

The partnership with Zerohash is a critical enabler for OnePay's crypto expansion. Zerohash recently secured $104 million in funding from investors including Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers, reflecting growing institutional interest in crypto infrastructureCNBC^[5]. This funding will support Zerohash's role in providing custody, trading, and compliance solutions to fintechs and traditional financial institutions. For OnePay, the collaboration allows it to leverage Zerohash's expertise while avoiding the regulatory and technical complexities of building a crypto platform from scratch.

Walmart's retail ecosystem provides OnePay with a unique distribution advantage. The app is deeply integrated into Walmart's checkout systems, giving it access to 150 million U.S. shoppers weeklyCoinCentral^[6]. This integration enables seamless transitions between shopping and financial management, a feature that competitors like standalone fintechs cannot replicate. At the same time, OnePay operates as an independent entity, allowing it to target underserved consumers beyond Walmart's customer base. The app's existing user base and retail partnerships position it to drive widespread crypto adoption, particularly among younger, tech-savvy demographics.

The timing of OnePay's crypto launch reflects broader trends in U.S. finance. Major banks, including Morgan Stanley, are beginning to offer crypto services to retail clients, signaling a shift in regulatory and market attitudesThe Crypto Basic^[7]. Zerohash's recent funding and OnePay's strategic moves highlight the growing convergence of traditional finance and digital assets. Analysts note that crypto adoption is accelerating as institutions seek to meet consumer demand for integrated financial tools and as regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate digital currenciesWinning with Walmart^[8].

OnePay's expansion into crypto underscores its ambition to become a comprehensive financial platform. By combining retail convenience with digital asset services, the app aims to redefine how consumers interact with money. The integration of crypto into everyday transactions-such as converting Bitcoin to cash for Walmart purchases-highlights the practical utility of digital assets beyond speculative trading. As the U.S. superapp race intensifies, OnePay's unique position as a retail-finance hybrid could reshape the competitive landscape, challenging both traditional banks and pure-play fintechs to innovate furtherCoinCentral^[9].