Telegram, the cloud-based instant messaging service, has been making waves with its comprehensive payment system designed for bots. This innovative feature allows users to make payments directly through the Telegram app, providing a seamless and secure transaction experience.
The platform’s payment system, known as Payments 2.0, was introduced to facilitate transactions for both physical and digital goods and services, making it a versatile tool for users and businesses alike.
Telegram has emerged not only as a powerful messaging platform but also as a versatile tool for financial transactions. With the introduction of Telegram Payment Systems, the app has transcended the boundaries of mere messaging and entered the realm of e-commerce and online payments.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Telegram’s foray into the payment arena began with the launch of Bot Payments, a feature that allowed users to make purchases directly through bots within the app. This innovative approach to in-app transactions was a game-changer, providing a seamless shopping experience without ever leaving the chat interface. The initial success of Bot Payments paved the way for further enhancements, leading to the development of Payments 2.0.
Telegram’s journey into the world of payments began with the introduction of Bot Payments in 2017. This feature enabled bot developers to accept payments from users globally, revolutionizing the way transactions were conducted on the platform. Initially, most payments were processed by Stripe, but as the system evolved, it expanded to include a variety of payment providers from around the world.
Payments 2.0, launched in April 2021, marked a significant upgrade to the system. It extended the capability to make payments from any app, including desktop applications, without Telegram taking any commission or storing payment information. The credit card details are sent directly to the payment provider, ensuring user privacy and security.
In June 2024, Telegram took another leap forward with the launch of ‘Telegram Stars,’ an in-app digital payments system tailored for digital goods and services. This system allows users to purchase items like e-books and online courses through in-app purchases on both Apple and Android devices.
How Telegram Payment Systems Work
The Telegram payment system is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. Users can order goods or services from bots that offer them, with the bots now able to add a Pay button to their messages. When user taps Pay, they are prompted to enter their credit card and shipping information to confirm the payment. For added convenience, users with 2-Step Verification can save their card details for future purchases.
For bot developers, Telegram provides a free and open platform to implement the necessary APIs and accept payments without undergoing lengthy approval processes. The system supports a wide range of payment providers, allowing developers to choose the best option for their users or the one with the lowest commission rates.
Telegram’s payment systems have had a profound impact on how users interact with bots and conduct transactions. The ease of making payments directly through the app has enhanced the user experience, encouraging more transactions within the Telegram ecosystem. For businesses, this means a broader reach and a simplified process for selling goods and services.
Moreover, the addition of ‘Telegram Stars’ caters to the growing demand for digital products, providing a streamlined payment solution for content creators and educators. This development reflects Telegram’s commitment to adapting to user needs and staying ahead of the curve in the digital payments landscape.
Telegram’s payment systems represent a significant advancement in the integration of messaging and commerce. By providing a secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform for transactions, Telegram has positioned itself as a key player in the digital payments arena. As