Bitcoin News Today: OnePay's Crypto Push Merges Retail and Digital Finance

Walmart-backed fintech OnePay is set to launch Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading and custody services within its mobile app, marking a significant step toward integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday retail transactions. The service, expected to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025, will enable users to buy, hold, and convert digital assets into fiat currency for use at Walmart stores or to settle card balancesWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. This initiative, powered by a partnership with crypto infrastructure provider Zero Hash, positions OnePay as a "superapp" aiming to bridge traditional finance with digital assetsWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[2]. The move aligns with broader trends of institutional adoption, as seen in recent developments at Morgan Stanley and other financial firms entering the crypto spaceWalmart’s OnePay to Add Cryptocurrency Trading Through Zerohash^[3].

The integration of Bitcoin and Ethereum into OnePay's app leverages Zero Hash's infrastructure for custody and trading, allowing users to store and manage their crypto holdings directly within the platform. However, users should note that these services are not universally available across all U.S. states and lack FDIC or SIPC coverage, exposing them to potential risks such as total asset lossWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. The practical utility of converting crypto into cash for retail purchases or card payments is a key differentiator, offering a tangible use case beyond speculative investmentWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[2]. This functionality mirrors the broader retail sector's shift toward digital finance, with competitors like Amazon and Target potentially under pressure to develop similar offeringsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1].

OnePay's expansion into crypto services is expected to reshape the competitive landscape. Traditional financial institutions and existing crypto exchanges, such as Coinbase and Robinhood, face intensified competition as OnePay capitalizes on Walmart's vast retail network and customer trustWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. The fintech firm, launched in 2021 with backing from Walmart and Ribbit Capital, has steadily expanded its services to include banking, lending, and wireless plans, now adding crypto to its "everything app" visionWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[2]. With the OnePay app currently ranking fifth in Apple's App Store for free finance apps, surpassing established players like JPMorgan Chase and Robinhood, the integration of crypto could further solidify its market positionWalmart’s OnePay to Add Cryptocurrency Trading Through Zerohash^[3].

The partnership with Zero Hash, which recently secured $104 million in funding from financial firms including Morgan Stanley, underscores the growing demand for crypto infrastructure among traditional institutionsWalmart’s OnePay to Add Cryptocurrency Trading Through Zerohash^[3]. This collaboration enables OnePay to offer secure custody and trading without building the technology in-house, a strategic move to accelerate its market entry. The timing of the launch coincides with a broader shift in U.S. financial markets, where regulatory attitudes toward crypto have evolved, particularly following the election of President Donald TrumpWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[2]. Major banks, previously hesitant to engage with digital assets, are now exploring crypto offerings, reflecting a maturing industry landscapeWalmart’s OnePay to Add Cryptocurrency Trading Through Zerohash^[3].

Regulatory scrutiny is expected to intensify as OnePay's services gain traction, particularly regarding consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-customer (KYC) complianceWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. The classification of crypto assets as securities or commodities remains a critical challenge, requiring careful navigation by OnePay and its partners. Additionally, the integration of crypto into Walmart's retail ecosystem could catalyze the development of clearer global regulatory frameworks, especially for cross-border transactions and consumer safeguardsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. Analysts note that historical parallels, such as the adoption of credit cards and online banking, suggest that initial skepticism may give way to widespread acceptance as security and trust in digital assets matureWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1].

Long-term, OnePay's venture could expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum to include stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi) products, and blockchain-based loyalty programsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1]. Walmart itself may deepen its blockchain integration for supply chain efficiency, potentially even issuing a dollar-pegged stablecoin to reduce transaction fees. For competitors, the pressure to innovate will be significant, with traditional banks and fintechs needing to accelerate their own crypto strategies to remain relevant. The broader implications extend to underbanked populations and cross-border remittances, where digital assets could offer lower-cost solutionsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading^[1].