The best way to monetise Telegram Mini-Apps in 2026 is to integrate cryptocurrency payments. Traditional methods - bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay - may be limited in some regions and require payment data entry or additional confirmation. Built-in Telegram Stars are limited by jurisdiction and are not suitable for the tokenised economy of Web3 games. Crypto Gateway solves these problems: instant payments from anywhere in the world directly in the mini-app interface with funds withdrawn in minutes.
Why don't traditional payments work in Telegram Mini-Apps?
Telegram Mini Apps (TMA) are web applications built on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that run directly within the messenger without installation. They are cross-platform and available on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. But it is this ‘embeddedness’ that creates problems for payments.
Limitations of Telegram's built-in payments (Telegram Stars)
Stars is Telegram's internal currency, launched in 2024. It allows you to sell digital content, subscriptions, and access to private posts. The author receives 100% of the amount without commission from Telegram, but this only works for channels and bots. Stars cannot be withdrawn directly into fiat – you first need to exchange them for TON via Fragment, then sell TON on the exchange. Commissions at each stage eat into the revenue. In addition, unused stars expire three years after purchase.
Problems with bank cards and Apple/Google Pay in iframe
Payments in Telegram Mini Apps face limitations due to working inside WebView, an embedded browser with reduced functionality. This creates a number of technical problems.
Firstly, payment systems (Stripe, Adyen, etc.) often perceive WebView traffic as suspicious: the environment does not allow full verification of SSL certificates and the browser context, which triggers anti-fraud algorithms - transactions may be rejected even before card data is entered.
Secondly, two-factor authentication mechanisms (for example, 3D Secure) often do not work correctly: pop-up windows for entering a confirmation code either do not open in the WebView or do not interact with the main frame, leaving the user without feedback.
Thirdly, attempts to circumvent restrictions by redirecting to an external browser lead to a loss of context: the user leaves the Mini App, and upon return, the order status may not be restored if stable session synchronization is not implemented (via localStorage, server sessions, or webhooks). This reduces the conversion rate and worsens the user experience.
Geoblocks and high commissions
Telegram is officially blocked or technically restricted in several large regions. In China, access to the messenger is only possible via VPN and is unstable. In Iran, the block has been imposed and lifted several times in recent years. This makes universal solutions (one acquiring for the whole world) practically useless - you need local partners in each region.
Want to accept crypto payments on your website?
Mobile platform commissions are a separate headache. If your Mini-App is distributed as a WebView in a native application (Telegram for iOS) and you make payments via Apple Pay, Apple requires you to use In-App Purchase for digital goods. The commission can be up to 30% of the transaction amount. Google Play has introduced a similar requirement for apps in its store. It is technically possible to circumvent this, but the platforms' policies are strict, and developer accounts are blocked for violations. As a result, out of the £100 that the user pays, you may only get £70, and that's without taking into account acquiring.
Lack of support for cryptocurrencies and Web3 wallets
TMA was originally created to work with the TON blockchain. But Telegram Stars is a centralized tool with no smart contracts, NFTs or tokenomics. Stars is useless for games that require in-game assets and real ownership.
Crypto payments as solution for Web3 games
The problems with traditional payments in Telegram Mini Apps are not accidental - they are inherent in the architecture. WebView is not compatible with iframe, banks are afraid of anonymous traffic, and the App Store and Google Play take up to 30% of revenue. But the main limitation runs deeper: all fiat payments are designed for a world where money is controlled by intermediaries. A bank can reject a transaction, Apple can block a developer's account, and Telegram Stars can simply burn out after three years.
Web3 games are built on opposite principles: players actually own their assets, tokens can be withdrawn and sold, and the in-game economy does not depend on the will of a single corporation. This model requires payments without intermediaries. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain allow you to accept payments and monetize the project.
Crypto payments are not just "another payment method." They are the foundation on which the tokenomics of Telegram games are based. Without them, it is impossible to create a closed cycle: earned TON → bought NFT → levelled up a character → sold an item to a new player. All attempts to imitate this economy through fiat or internal points are thwarted by commissions, delays, and regulatory restrictions.
Below, we will examine how the crypto gateway for Telegram works, its strengths and weaknesses, and why the transition to TON Pay and stablecoins is a matter of survival for gaming Mini-Apps in 2026.
What is a cryptocurrency gateway for mini-apps (in simple terms)
It is an API layer that allows your bot or TMA to accept Bitcoin, USDT, TON, and other coins directly from the player's wallet. The user scans a QR code or clicks the "Pay" button in the familiar interface (Wallet in Telegram, Trust Wallet, MetaMask). The gateway verifies the transaction on the blockchain and sends a notification.
Pros and cons of cryptocurrency monetisation in Telegram
Pros:
- Instant deposits and payouts – money is credited to the merchant's balance in 2–5 minutes, rather than 3–5 banking days.
- Global availability – you can pay with crypto from any country, even if Telegram is restricted there. No local bank accounts are required.
- Low fees – the network fee for USDT (TRC-20) is approximately $1.5–3.5 regardless of the amount. The 0xProcessing processing fee is negotiated individually and depends on turnover.
- Automatic conversion option – incoming payments can be instantly converted to stablecoins (USDT), completely eliminating the risk of volatility.
- No chargebacks – transactions on the blockchain cannot be cancelled. Friendly fraud, which kills high-risk businesses, is technically impossible here.
Cons:
- Complexity for beginners – not all users understand how to replenish a crypto wallet and how USDT in the TRC-20 network differs from ERC-20.
- Risk of incorrect network – if a user sends USDT on the ERC-20 network to an address for TRC-20, the funds may be lost or returned with a commission deduction.
- Dependence on blockchain – during peak loads, the Ethereum network can become overloaded, and payment confirmation can take up to 20–30 minutes. Solution – use TON or Solana, where fees are lower and speeds are higher.
- Volatility – the Bitcoin rate may fall by 5% in an hour while the player is preparing to pay. This is solved by automatic conversion to stablecoins.
Find out how the 0xProcessing gateway solves these problems in 1 day of integration – documentation and API are available without prepayment.
Step-by-step instructions: how to connect crypto payments to your mini-application
An example of integrating a crypto gateway into a developed mini-application in Telegram.
Step 1. Select and register with a crypto gateway
Key selection criteria:
- Support for TON, TRC-20, BEP-20, and ERC-20 networks.
- Ability to automatically convert to stablecoins (VRCS function).
- Ready-made APIs.
- Transparent commission and no hidden fees.
0xProcessing meets all these criteria. To register, simply fill out the form on the website or contact us via Telegram.
Step 2. Technical integration of API/widget
Approximate plan:
- obtain API keys in your personal account;
- configure a webhook – an endpoint on your server where the gateway will send POST requests when the payment status changes;
- integrate the payment form: generate a payment link via API or embed a widget with a QR code directly into TMA.
Specific steps may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the variety of payment methods.
Step 3. Setting up stablecoin payments
After integrating the gateway, you will need to select the networks and cryptocurrencies that can be used for payment. 0xProcessing supports payments in 65+ of the most popular cryptocurrencies.
Step 4. Testing and launch
Use the first payments in the system to evaluate the service. Next, 0xProcessing conducts all transactions that meet the specified conditions. The service charges a fee for completed transactions; there is no subscription fee for connection.
Comparison table: Ways to monetise Telegram Mini-Apps
| Method | Commission | Deposit speed | Availability | Suitable for Web3 games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telegram Stars | 3-5% on withdrawal and conversion | 1-3 days | Depends on the platform | No |
| Bank cards | On average, 2.5–3.5% plus a fixed fee for each transaction | 1–3 days | Often blocked in WebView | No |
| TonPay | On average 0.0055 TON | Depends on blockchain load | Yes | Yes |
| 0xProcessing | Depends on the selected network | Depends on the selected network | Globally | Yes |
Conclusion and recommendations
The integration of crypto payments is no longer an experiment. In 2026, it will be a basic requirement for monetising Telegram Mini-Apps, especially in the gaming segment.
What you get:
- Global reach – players from any country can pay.
- Instant transactions – money is credited in minutes, not days.
- No chargebacks – crypto transactions cannot be cancelled.
- Native integration with TON – the ecosystem on which Telegram is built.
If you need stablecoins, fiat withdrawals, auto-conversion, and support for 20+ networks, connect 0xProcessing. Main recommendation: don't wait for perfect integration. Start accepting crypto payments now, even in the MVP version. Your task is to give your customers this tool faster than your competitors.
Calculate your benefits from integrating crypto payments with 0xProcessing. Get a personal consultation - leave a request in Telegram support.
Specific questions
Which cryptocurrencies are best to accept in Telegram games?
The optimal choices are:
- TON – Telegram’s native cryptocurrency, offering fast transactions (within seconds) and low fees.
- USDT – the most liquid stablecoin, minimizing volatility risks for players.
Gateways such as 0xProcessing support 65+ cryptocurrencies and provide automatic conversion functionality.
How can I convert my earned crypto funds into fiat?
There are three main methods:
- Through crypto exchanges (e.g., OKX, Bybit): sell TON or USDT for EUR or USD and withdraw to a bank card.
- Through a payment gateway with SEPA or SWIFT withdrawal: 0xProcessing enables fiat withdrawals, although crypto payouts remain the primary method.
Do users need to understand crypto?
No. Modern payment gateways provide an interface similar to online banking.
- The player sees the amount in USD or TON.
- They scan a QR code in the Telegram Wallet.
- Payment is confirmed via biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint).
The underlying blockchain complexity remains fully abstracted from the user.
What should be done if a player sends money to the wrong network?
If the selected network is supported by the gateway (for example, USDT sent via BEP-20 instead of TRC-20), technical support may manually verify and credit the transaction.
If the network is not supported, recovery or refund is generally impossible. Users should always be clearly informed which network must be used.
Is there a minimum withdrawal amount?
At 0xProcessing, the minimum withdrawal amount is equivalent to approximately 3 USD.
The minimum deposit amount is also around 3 USD.
