Until recently, crypto wallets were just places to store tokens. You would send and receive assets, check balances, and occasionally swap coins. That was it.
But the expectations of users are changing. Crypto wallets are no longer considered passive tools. They are evolving into full-featured commerce engines where users can spend, earn, and interact without ever leaving the app.
From shopping for gift cards and flight tickets to paying for games or streaming services, the crypto wallet experience is becoming more active and transactional. What was once a storage layer is now turning into an in-app marketplace that offers real-world utility.
This transformation is driven by both users and merchants. Today’s crypto-native users want convenience. They expect seamless checkout with USDT, USDC, or their favorite tokens. They want instant transactions without conversions or off-ramping. On the other side, global brands are also adapting. Companies like Gucci, Balenciaga, and hundreds of Shopify merchants now accept crypto payments through integrated wallet systems.
The global crypto wallet market size was estimated at USD 8.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 48.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.8% from 2023 to 2030. One of the fundamental growth drivers for the market is the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class.
In this shift from storage to commerce, crypto wallet development has taken center stage. The wallets of 2025 are interactive, connected, and loaded with features that support shopping, payments, and loyalty programs.
If you are building a crypto wallet today, the question is not just how it stores assets. It is how it drives value for users and merchants alike.
What Is a Shop-Enabled Crypto Wallet?
A shop-enabled crypto wallet is more than just a place to hold digital assets. It is a multifunctional platform that lets users spend crypto directly inside the wallet. This includes everything from booking travel and buying game credits to ordering food or sending digital gift cards.
Instead of switching apps or converting tokens to fiat, users can browse products, scan QR codes, and check out with crypto all in one interface. These wallets combine blockchain payment rails with real-time commerce to offer a unified experience.
The goal is to make spending as simple as holding. Whether it is using USDT to buy a mobile recharge or using tokens to join a play-to-earn game, everything happens within the wallet itself. It feels more like a superapp than a simple wallet.
This evolution reflects a bigger change in user expectations. People no longer want to manage assets in one place and shop in another. They want crypto wallets to double as everyday tools that fit into their lifestyle.
With the right crypto wallet development approach, builders can deliver a fully functional in-app crypto marketplace. This is not just a feature; it is a new way to think about digital wallets and user engagement.
Why Add Shopping and Checkout to Crypto Wallets
Crypto wallets are no longer just tools for holding tokens. They are quickly becoming gateways to real-world spending and daily use. Adding a shopping feature to a crypto wallet helps users go beyond trading and start using their assets in meaningful ways.
Today’s users expect more from their wallets. They want to buy gift cards, pay for food, book flights, or recharge services directly from the same place where they store their tokens. Making that possible creates a seamless experience that keeps users active and engaged.
The numbers speak clearly. Wallets that include direct crypto checkout have seen up to four times higher engagement compared to standard wallets. Instead of transferring funds or swapping into fiat, users complete purchases in seconds using USDT, USDC, or their preferred tokens.
“Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it.” — Brad Garlinghouse
Younger users especially expect this level of convenience. More than sixty percent of Gen Z crypto holders prefer wallets that support real-world payments. They want more than just token tracking. They want utility, speed, and direct access to services they already use.
For brands, this opens up a new channel. A wallet that includes a shopping layer is not just a finance tool. It becomes a marketplace, a loyalty hub, and a touchpoint for long-term user value.
This is not just about adding features. It is about building wallets that people want to keep using every day.
Key Features of an In-App Crypto Shopping Experience
Seamless Token Checkout
Users can pay with stablecoins or native tokens without leaving the wallet. No conversions or external platforms are needed.
In-Wallet Marketplace Access
A dedicated shopping tab lets users browse products, services, and offers directly within the wallet interface.
Scan to Pay with QR Codes
Merchants can accept crypto through QR code scanning. Users complete the transaction in one tap using their wallet.
Gasless Transactions
Relayer systems or smart contract paymasters allow users to complete purchases without worrying about gas fees.
Multi-Chain Token Support
The wallet supports multiple blockchains and tokens, enabling flexible spending across different ecosystems.
Biometric and PIN Security
All payments and marketplace access are protected by device-level authentication such as Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN.
Smart Contract Payment Logic
Transactions are executed through verified smart contracts that enable real-time pricing, routing, and settlement.
Loyalty and Reward Systems
Users earn NFT vouchers or loyalty tokens after purchases, encouraging repeat activity inside the wallet
Gaming and DApp Integrations
Play-to-earn features, token-based upgrades, and in-game purchases are embedded into the same wallet system.
Architecture of a Commerce-Enabled Crypto Wallet
Building a wallet that supports real-world spending is not just about frontend features. It requires a deeply structured backend, powered by smart contracts, multi-chain token logic, and scalable infrastructure.
At the core, a commerce-enabled crypto wallet must support modular architecture. This means separate components for payment processing, user authentication, and loyalty tracking. Modular design makes it easier to update parts of the system without affecting the entire wallet.
The smart contract layer acts as the engine. It handles everything from transaction execution to pricing logic and merchant settlement. Contracts need to support multiple token types, voucher redemptions, and even gas abstraction through integrated paymasters.
To simplify user experience, the wallet should offer gasless transactions. This is made possible by relayer systems and smart paymaster configurations that cover gas fees on behalf of the user. Cross-chain bridges must be embedded so that tokens from different networks can be used without switching apps or wallets.
Live pricing is enabled through oracles, allowing users to see exact token values at the moment of checkout. And to ensure business readiness, the wallet architecture should support on-chain analytics, real-time tracking, and optional compliance integrations.
Everything must be backed by a secure key management system. Whether through MPC or multisig, this layer protects wallet functions and merchant treasury controls.
Security Features You Cannot Overlook
Security is one of the most critical aspects of cryptocurrency wallet development, especially when the wallet includes payment and shopping features. Consumers anticipate complete protection, and any vulnerability could result in financial loss or eroded trust.
The foundation begins with key management. A secure crypto wallet must use advanced techniques such as multi-party computation or multisignature logic. These systems prevent single-key access and ensure that high-value transactions require multiple approvals or distributed computation.
Smart contracts are another high-risk area. Every contract that handles crypto payments, voucher redemptions, or merchant settlement should go through a full smart contract audit. Formal verification and third-party testing help prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited during real-world usage.
Biometric authentication and PIN-based access provide additional layers of user-level protection. Before any checkout or payment process begins, the wallet should confirm user identity through device-level security. This includes Face ID, fingerprint scanning, or secure password prompts.
Real-time monitoring is essential. The wallet infrastructure should include live tracking of transaction flows, unusual gas usage, or volume spikes. If anomalies are detected, smart contract circuit breakers can pause affected modules to prevent further risk.
Crypto wallet compliance is just as important. Integrating zero-knowledge KYC modules and sanction list checks allows the wallet to meet global regulations while preserving user privacy. These checks should run in the background without affecting user experience or transparency.
Finally, data handling must be treated with care. Any user information, transaction history, or payment metadata should be encrypted during storage and transmission. A secure crypto wallet is not only about the blockchain—it is about every detail behind the interface.
Steps to Build a Crypto Wallet With In-App Shopping
Step 1: Define Product Scope and Target Use Cases
Start by identifying your user segment and key use cases. Decide if the wallet will focus on gaming, travel, gift cards, or utilities. Choose the tokens you want to support, such as USDT, USDC, or native tokens. Map the expected user flow, including shopping, checkout, and reward redemption.
Step 2: Design the Wallet Architecture
Select the right wallet structure, such as MPC or smart contract-based architecture. Define how paymasters will handle gas fees and how cross-chain tokens will be routed. Plan the backend logic for checkout, vouchers, merchant payouts, and loyalty systems.
Step 3: Build Smart Contract Modules
Develop secure and modular smart contracts that handle marketplace transactions, token routing, voucher logic, and reward distribution. Include pricing feeds via oracle integration and token support for stablecoins and native assets.
Step 4: Develop Front-End and Mobile Wallet UI
Create a responsive wallet interface using technologies like React Native or Flutter. Include screens for product browsing, cart management, payment confirmation, and loyalty tracking. Keep the interface simple while supporting QR payments, biometric security, and one-click checkout.
Step 5: Integrate SDKs and Third-Party Services
Add modules for scan-to-pay, price feed oracles, and zkKYC verification. Set up relayers and bridges to handle gasless and cross-chain execution. Connect the wallet to merchant storefronts or DApps using prebuilt SDKs.
Step 6: Conduct Testing and Security Audits
Run unit tests, integration tests, and real-time stress tests to ensure performance. Submit smart contracts for third-party audit and formal verification. Validate transaction safety, key management, and circuit breaker triggers.
Step 7: Launch With Pilot Merchants and Iterate
Onboard a small group of merchants or marketplaces. Monitor user behavior, token performance, and shopping activity. Use this feedback to refine the shopping flow, improve UX, and scale merchant partnerships.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Crypto Wallet With Shopping Features?
The cost of crypto wallet development depends on several key factors. A wallet that includes shopping and payment features is far more complex than a basic token storage app. You are not just building a wallet. You are building a multi-layered commerce engine.
If you are developing a minimum viable product, you can expect a lean setup with basic shopping and payment features across one or two chains. This version typically includes a small in-app marketplace, limited token support, and a single relayer integration. The estimated development cost for this setup ranges between forty thousand and eighty thousand dollars, depending on the tech stack and timeline.
For wallets with multi-chain compatibility, stablecoin checkout, loyalty token systems, and merchant onboarding tools, the development scope expands significantly. You will need smart contract audits, cross-chain bridges, compliance modules, and real-time analytics. The cost for this type of full-featured crypto wallet can range between one hundred thousand and two hundred fifty thousand dollars, depending on security requirements, audit depth, and integrations.
Additional factors that influence cost include:
Working with an experienced cryptocurrency wallet development company can help you streamline this process. By using proven frameworks, audited modules, and pre-built SDKs, you reduce risk and shorten time to market.
Final Thoughts and Why Ment Tech Labs Is the Right Partner
Crypto wallets are no longer just about storing tokens. They are evolving into high-performance platforms that support real-world spending, merchant engagement, and token-based loyalty.
A wallet with in-app shopping features unlocks a new level of user engagement. It combines convenience, speed, and functionality in one experience. From smart contract architecture to payment routing and compliance layers, every detail matters when building this kind of product.
Whether you are targeting the gaming sector, digital gift cards, or travel payments, your wallet must be designed to handle commerce at scale. The right infrastructure, security model, and user experience will determine your product’s success.
At Ment Tech Labs, we specialize in building advanced cryptocurrency wallet solutions tailored for modern use cases. Our team brings deep expertise in MPC wallets, smart contract development, cross-chain integrations, and in-app marketplace design.
If you are ready to turn your crypto wallet into a powerful, shop-enabled platform, we are here to build it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shop-enabled crypto wallet?
A shop-enabled crypto wallet allows users to browse and purchase products or services directly within the wallet. It combines payment, loyalty, and marketplace features into a single experience without needing to convert crypto to fiat.
How does in-app shopping work inside a crypto wallet?
In-app shopping works by letting users select items, confirm purchases, and pay with tokens like USDT or USDC directly from the wallet. Smart contracts handle pricing and execution, while gas fees can be abstracted through paymaster systems.
Why should you add shopping features to a crypto wallet?
Adding shopping features turns a crypto wallet into a daily utility tool. It improves engagement, creates new revenue streams through merchant integrations, and increases real-world use of digital assets.
What types of payments can users make inside a crypto wallet?
Users can pay for digital goods, mobile recharges, gaming credits, travel bookings, and gift cards. Payments are settled in stablecoins or native tokens, with options for gasless transactions and scan-to-pay functionality.
How secure is a crypto wallet with marketplace features?
Security is handled through multi-party computation, biometric access, and verified smart contracts. Additional layers like real-time monitoring and circuit breakers ensure the system responds instantly to any abnormal activity.
Can a crypto wallet support tokens from multiple blockchains?
Yes. Commerce-enabled wallets often integrate cross-chain bridges that allow users to spend tokens from multiple blockchains in a single unified marketplace.
What does it cost to develop a crypto wallet with in-app shopping?
Development cost depends on feature scope, security requirements, and the number of supported chains. A basic version may cost between forty and eighty thousand dollars, while enterprise-grade builds with full compliance and analytics can exceed one hundred thousand.
