Walmart-backed fintech OnePay is set to transform everyday finance by integrating cryptocurrency trading into its mobile banking app through a partnership with crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash. The rollout, expected later in 2025, will initially allow users to buy, sell, hold, and custody Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly within the app. This move positions OnePay as a comprehensive “super app” for digital finance, combining traditional banking with digital assets, similar to platforms like WeChat or Alipay.
Launched in 2021 as a joint venture between Walmart and Ribbit Capital, OnePay already offers high-yield savings, debit/credit cards, peer-to-peer payments, and buy-now-pay-later options, integrated into Walmart’s checkout systems for over 150 million weekly U.S. shoppers. Though operating independently, the app leverages Walmart’s massive reach to target underserved consumers and accelerate mainstream crypto adoption. Users will be able to convert crypto holdings to cash for Walmart purchases, bill payments, or credit card balances, seamlessly bridging digital assets with real-world spending.
Zerohash, a Chicago-based startup, powers the backend with trading, settlement, and custody services. Recently raising $104 million from investors like Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers, Zerohash is enabling traditional finance giants to enter the crypto space. Activating OnePay Crypto requires users to agree to Zerohash’s terms, as it handles asset custody without FDIC or SIPC insurance, highlighting inherent risks in the crypto market.
OnePay’s app has climbed to No. 5 on Apple’s free finance apps, surpassing competitors like JPMorgan Chase, Robinhood, and Chime, many of which already offer crypto trading. This integration could intensify competition for platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Robinhood, drawing hesitant mainstream users through Walmart’s trusted brand. As cryptocurrencies gain traction amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny, OnePay’s entry signals a broader shift toward embedding crypto in retail finance, potentially redefining how millions manage their money. While spokespeople for OnePay and Zerohash have not commented, the plans reflect growing institutional interest in digital assets, positioning OnePay to lead in the convergence of traditional and decentralized finance.