Walmart’s OnePay to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading: A New Era for Crypto Adoption

Walmart is set to take a major leap into cryptocurrency by enabling Bitcoin and Ethereum trading through its OnePay fintech arm. Expected to roll out later this year, this move expands the reach of digital assets to millions of mainstream users and could transform both the retail and financial sectors.

Key Takeaways

• OnePay, backed by Walmart, will let users buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum directly in its app.

• The rollout partners OnePay with crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash for trading and secure custody.

• Users will soon be able to convert crypto into cash for use at Walmart stores or paying card balances.

• OnePay is evolving into a financial “super app,” integrating banking, lending, and now crypto features.

Walmart’s Strategic Push into Digital Assets

Walmart’s decision to integrate cryptocurrency trading into OnePay is a bold statement about the future of everyday banking. Launched through a partnership with Ribbit Capital, the fintech app already boasts features such as high-yield savings accounts, debit cards, and a digital wallet. Adding crypto trading positions OnePay as a disruptive force against traditional banks and incumbent fintech players.

The partnership with Zerohash allows OnePay to implement secure trading and custody solutions without building the infrastructure from scratch. This not only accelerates the launch but also ensures that digital assets remain protected against breaches, a growing concern amid recent industry hacks.

Mainstream Adoption and Market Impact

By letting users convert crypto into fiat for in-store purchases, Walmart is bridging the gap between digital assets and daily spending. This practical application of cryptocurrencies could drive adoption among demographics that have so far been hesitant, especially those in underbanked or rural areas where Walmart has a strong presence.

The OnePay app has surged in popularity, ranking among the top five free finance apps in both the Apple and Google Play stores. Experts predict the new crypto features could generate significant new revenue streams and intensify competition with established platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood.

Regulatory and Competitive Landscape

Walmart’s foray into crypto trading comes as U.S. regulators are offering clearer guidance for digital assets. OnePay’s compliance focus includes robust know-your-customer protocols and anti-money laundering safeguards, setting a standard for other retailers considering similar moves.

Traditional banks and fintechs face mounting pressure as Walmart’s integrated super app model sets new expectations for consumers. This could force competitors to accelerate their own crypto integrations or risk falling behind as user demands shift toward comprehensive, all-in-one financial solutions.

Looking Ahead: New Opportunities and Challenges

With the launch of crypto trading, OnePay cements its status as a pioneering super app in the U.S. financial sector. Looking to the future, further expansions could include additional cryptocurrencies, blockchain-powered loyalty programs, or even the creation of Walmart’s own digital currency.

However, this rapid evolution brings challenges: ongoing regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and the critical need for consumer education to ensure safe and informed participation.

Walmart’s OnePay initiative could reshape the American retail and financial landscape—pushing cryptocurrencies well beyond speculation and firmly into the realm of everyday transactions.

References

• Walmart’s OnePay App to Include Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading: CNBC, Decrypt.

• Walmart’s OnePay App to Include Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading: CNBC, Yahoo Finance.

• Walmart's OnePay App to Enable Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading, WebProNews.

• Walmart-Backed OnePay Plans Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading And Custody This Year With Zerohash: Report, Stocktwits.

• Walmart-Backed OnePay Ignites Mainstream Crypto Adoption with Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading, FinancialContent.