Bitcoin News Today: Walmart's OnePay Turns Crypto into Everyday Cash

Walmart's OnePay, the fintech subsidiary majority-owned by the retail giant, is set to introduce cryptocurrency trading and custody services on its mobile app later this year, according to multiple reportsWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1]Walmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with …^[2]Walmart-Owned Fintech Firm OnePay To Offer Crypto Trading^[3]. The platform will initially support Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), enabling users to convert their digital assets into cash for in-store purchases or card balance payments. This move aligns with OnePay's broader strategy to become a U.S. "superapp," integrating banking, lending, and commerce into a single platformWalmart-Backed OnePay to Add Bitcoin & Ether in Superapp Push^[4]Walmart-Backed OnePay to Launch Crypto Trading and Custody in …^[5].

The service will be powered by Zerohash, a crypto infrastructure provider that recently secured $104 million in funding from institutions including Morgan Stanley and Interactive BrokersWalmart’s OnePay Plans Crypto Trading, Echoing China’s WeChat …^[6]The SEC Wants to Supercharge Super-Apps. Here's What Investors …^[7]. Zerohash will handle custody, trading, and regulatory compliance, allowing OnePay to avoid direct exposure to crypto-related risks while leveraging its retail ecosystem. Users will be able to hold and trade BTC and ETH within the app, with the option to liquidate assets for fiat currency to spend at Walmart locationsWalmart majority-owned OnePay's mobile app to launch crypto …^[8]Walmart’s OnePay to Introduce Crypto Trading and Custody^[9].

OnePay's app has already gained traction, ranking fifth on Apple's App Store for free finance apps-surpassing established players like JPMorgan Chase and RobinhoodWalmart-Backed OnePay Unveils Ambitious Bitcoin and Ethereum …^[10]Walmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[11]. The app's integration into Walmart's 150 million weekly U.S. shoppers provides a unique distribution advantage, though the fintech operates independently to attract a broader audience beyond Walmart customersWalmart-Backed OnePay Unlocks Crypto Trading & Custody for …^[12]Walmart’s OnePay to Launch Bitcoin, Ethereum Services^[13]. Existing features include high-yield savings accounts, credit and debit cards, buy-now-pay-later loans, and peer-to-peer payments, positioning OnePay as a competitor to platforms like PayPal and Cash App.

The timing of the launch coincides with a regulatory shift in the U.S., where the SEC has signaled support for "superapps" that combine multiple financial services under one platform. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized the need for "minimum effective regulation" to foster innovation, a stance that could ease the path for OnePay's expansion into crypto. Meanwhile, major banks like Morgan Stanley have recently announced plans to offer crypto services, reflecting growing institutional confidence in digital assets.

Analysts suggest OnePay's entry could accelerate mainstream crypto adoption by removing barriers for millions of consumers. The ability to convert crypto into cash for everyday purchases at Walmart-a household name-could normalize digital assets as practical tools for commerce rather than speculative investments. However, challenges remain, including regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity risks, and competition from established crypto platforms. The move also raises questions about the long-term viability of decentralized finance (DeFi) models as centralized players gain traction.

OnePay's initiative underscores a broader trend of traditional retailers and financial institutions embracing crypto to meet evolving consumer demands. By integrating digital assets into its ecosystem, Walmart aims to deepen customer loyalty, reduce transaction costs, and position itself at the forefront of the fintech revolution. The success of this venture could reshape the retail and financial landscapes, with implications for how digital currencies are adopted and utilized in daily transactions.