"Walmart's OnePay Aims to Redefine Finance with Crypto-Enabled Superapp"

Walmart-backed fintech OnePay is set to launch cryptocurrency trading and custody services for its mobile banking app later this year, marking a significant step in its ambition to become a U.S. financial superapp. The service, powered by crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash, will enable users to trade and store Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly within the OnePay app. Users will be able to convert their crypto holdings into cash, which can then be used for Walmart store purchases or to settle card balances, bridging digital assets with everyday spendingWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1]. This move aligns with OnePay's broader strategy to integrate diverse financial tools, including high-yield savings accounts, credit cards, and buy-now-pay-later loans, into a single platformWalmart-Backed OnePay to Add Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in …^[2].

The partnership with Zerohash allows OnePay to leverage the startup's on-chain custody and gasless trading capabilities, avoiding the need to build crypto infrastructure in-houseWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with …^[3]. Zerohash, which recently raised $104 million from investors like Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers, is positioned to expand its role in enabling traditional institutions to enter the crypto spaceWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1]. For OnePay, the integration of crypto services complements its existing position as the fifth-ranked free finance app on Apple's App Store, surpassing established competitors like JPMorgan Chase, Robinhood, and ChimeWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1]. Nearly all top-ranking apps, including PayPal and Cash App, already offer crypto features, but OnePay's tie to Walmart's 150 million weekly U.S. shoppers could provide a unique distribution advantageWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1].

The rollout reflects broader shifts in the financial sector, where major banks and fintechs are accelerating crypto adoption. Morgan Stanley, for example, recently announced plans to offer direct crypto access through its E-Trade platformWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1]. OnePay's entry into crypto also underscores the growing appeal of superapps-modeled after China's WeChat-which combine payments, social features, and financial services into a unified ecosystemWalmart-Backed OnePay to Add Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in …^[2]. While OnePay operates independently from Walmart to target underserved consumers, its integration into Walmart's checkout systems positions it to leverage the retailer's vast customer base for crypto adoptionWalmart: OnePay is rolling out crypto to mobile banking app^[1].

Analysts note that OnePay's move could disrupt existing crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Robinhood, which face competition from platforms with trusted brand associationsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with …^[3]. The ability to convert crypto into spendable cash within Walmart's ecosystem may attract mainstream users hesitant to engage with dedicated crypto platforms. However, challenges remain, including regulatory scrutiny and the absence of FDIC or SIPC coverage for crypto assetsWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with …^[3]. OnePay's approach mirrors global trends, as seen in India's Chainalysis 2025 Global Adoption Index, which highlights how crypto adoption is driven by utility and accessibility in markets with economic volatility.

The timing of OnePay's launch coincides with a regulatory environment increasingly open to crypto integration. U.S. regulators, including SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, have signaled support for platforms offering multiple financial services under a unified frameworkCryptocurrency Adoption by Country Statistics 2025 • …^[5]. This aligns with OnePay's vision of a "superapp" that streamlines financial management while complying with evolving compliance standards. As the app expands its crypto offerings, it joins a growing list of institutions navigating the balance between innovation and risk, with potential implications for cross-border payments, institutional investment, and retail financeWalmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with …^[3].