Bitcoin News Today: Walmart's OnePay: The 'Everything App' Merging Retail and Crypto

Walmart-backed fintech platform OnePay has announced plans to integrate Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading and custody services into its mobile app by the end of 2025, marking a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. The service, powered by crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash, will allow users to buy, sell, hold, and convert digital assets into cash for use at Walmart stores or to settle card balances. The move positions OnePay, a joint venture between Walmart and Ribbit Capital, as a key player in bridging traditional retail and digital finance.

The integration leverages Walmart's vast customer base of approximately 150 million weekly U.S. shoppers, offering a unique opportunity to introduce crypto to a broad audience. Users will be able to manage their digital assets within the OnePay app, which already provides high-yield savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and peer-to-peer payments. This expansion aligns with OnePay's goal of becoming an "everything app" for digital finance, competing directly with platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. The app currently ranks fifth in Apple's App Store for free finance apps, surpassing established names like JPMorgan Chase and Robinhood.

The timing of the launch coincides with a favorable regulatory environment and growing institutional interest in crypto. Recent approvals of U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have injected billions into the market, while regulatory clarity under the Trump administration has encouraged traditional financial institutions to enter the space. Morgan Stanley, for instance, recently announced plans to offer crypto trading via its E-Trade platform, using Zerohash's infrastructure. Analysts note that historical precedents, such as PayPal's 2020 crypto integration and Tesla's 2021 Bitcoin purchase, have historically driven price surges for BTC and ETH, suggesting OnePay's move could further buoy market sentiment.

OnePay's collaboration with Zerohash ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, addressing critical security and regulatory concerns. Zerohash, which raised $104 million in September 2025, provides the technical backbone for custody and trading, enabling OnePay to focus on user experience. However, the service will not be FDIC- or SIPC-insured, leaving users exposed to potential losses. Despite this, the partnership is seen as a strategic advantage, given Zerohash's experience in supporting major financial firms like Interactive Brokers and DraftKings.

The market response to OnePay's initiative has been cautiously optimistic. While crypto enthusiasts highlight the potential for increased liquidity and real-world utility, some critics warn of regulatory risks and the dilution of decentralization principles. The crypto community remains divided, with debates over the role of corporate entities in shaping the future of digital assets. Decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) projects view the move as both an opportunity and a challenge, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with accessibility.

Looking ahead, OnePay's entry into crypto is expected to intensify competition among fintech platforms and pressure traditional financial institutions to accelerate their own digital asset strategies. The ability to convert crypto into cash for everyday purchases could normalize digital assets as a practical tool, shifting focus from speculative trading to tangible utility. However, challenges remain, including volatility management, cybersecurity risks, and the need for robust user education. Regulators are likely to scrutinize the initiative closely, potentially influencing the development of clearer global frameworks for crypto adoption.

[1] Walmart-Backed OnePay Unveils Ambitious Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading and Custody Plans (https://markets.financialcontent.com/wss/article/breakingcrypto-2025-10-3-walmart-backed-onepay-unveils-ambitious-bitcoin-and-ethereum-trading-and-custody-plans)

[2] Walmart to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading Through OnePay App (https://coincentral.com/walmart-to-offer-bitcoin-and-ethereum-trading-through-onepay-app-in-2025/)

[3] Walmart-Backed OnePay to Add Bitcoin and Ether Trading to Finance App (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/10/04/walmart-backed-onepay-to-add-bitcoin-and-ether-trading-to-finance-app-cnbc)

[4] Walmart's OnePay to Launch Crypto Trading and Custody Service (https://bitemycoin.com/news/walmarts-onepay-to-launch-crypto-trading-and-custody-service/)

[5] Walmart-Backed OnePay to Add Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/10/03/walmart-backed-onepay-to-add-bitcoin-and-ethereum-trading-in-super-app-push/)

[6] Walmart's OnePay to Introduce Crypto Trading and Custody (https://cryptonews.com/news/walmarts-onepay-to-introduce-crypto-trading-and-custody-report/)

[7] Walmart's OnePay Set to Add Bitcoin, Ether Trading and Custody (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-onepay-set-add-bitcoin-024542660.html)

[8] Walmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading (https://www.financialcontent.com/article/marketminute-2025-10-3-walmart-backed-onepay-ignites-mainstream-crypto-adoption-with-bitcoin-and-ethereum-trading)