TL;DR
- Walmart’s fintech unit, OnePay, is reportedly planning to introduce cryptocurrency trading and custody services, focusing on Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- The company is said to be partnering with Zerohash to provide the necessary technology.
- If true, this move could make digital assets more accessible to U.S. retail consumers, although Walmart and its partners have not officially confirmed any such plans.
Sources suggest that OnePay, the fintech arm majority-owned by Walmart, is preparing to allow customers to hold and trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly within its mobile app. The service is expected to leverage Zerohash’s platform for secure custody and trading. Analysts note that this potential integration could provide a seamless path for consumers to convert crypto into cash and make purchases at Walmart or pay off card balances.
The fintech firm has been gradually expanding its offerings since its launch in 2021, aiming to become an all-in-one “everything app” for digital finance. Current features include high-yield savings accounts, credit and debit cards, buy-now-pay-later loans, and even wireless plans. The addition of crypto would align OnePay with competitors like PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo, which already allow users to trade digital currencies.
Crypto Adoption Could Reshape Retail Finance Landscape
Walmart-backed OnePay is now ranked No. 5 on Apple’s App Store for free finance apps, ahead of JPMorgan Chase, Robinhood, and Chime. With its integration into Walmart’s online and in-store checkout systems, OnePay has the potential to reach millions of Americans, including those underserved by traditional banks. This broad exposure could accelerate mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. Experts also highlight that digital wallets combined with loyalty programs could create new financial incentives for shoppers, while financial education tools within the app may help users better understand crypto risks and opportunities.
Regulatory challenges remain a key consideration for any potential crypto rollout. U.S. regulators have yet to provide clear guidance for retail-focused crypto services, and industry experts caution that official confirmation is necessary before drawing firm conclusions. Meanwhile, companies like Zerohash are actively partnering with banks and financial firms to ensure compliance and technological readiness for future crypto products.
Overall, if OnePay proceeds with the rumored service, it would signal another major step in bringing cryptocurrencies into everyday consumer finance, potentially changing how millions of Americans interact with digital assets. The combination of retail accessibility, financial incentives, and mobile convenience could help bridge the gap between mainstream users and digital currencies, offering a practical use case for crypto beyond speculative investment.
