Cloakd vs Telegram Stars: Non-Custodial Wallet Settlement vs Telegram's In-App Currency
Last updated 2026-10-29 · Facts checked against public sources
Telegram Stars is Telegram's own in-app currency: fans buy Stars (via in-app purchase on mobile, or via Fragment using TON) and spend them to tip creators, unlock posts, or pay inside bots and mini apps. Telegram hasn't published an official commission rate on Stars creators receive, and most independent reporting puts it at or near zero — but Stars bought through Apple's or Google's in-app purchase typically cost the buyer roughly 30% more than buying via Fragment with TON, since app-store fees get passed on to the price of Stars. Cashing out means withdrawing through Fragment into a TON wallet, after a minimum balance and a holding period, then selling that TON on an exchange yourself — Telegram never pays out fiat directly.
Cloakd solves the same "get paid in a Telegram channel" problem but skips Telegram's currency entirely: payers use any of 160+ coins across 40+ networks they already hold, cross-chain swaps convert it to what you want to receive, and funds settle non-custodially straight to your own wallet — no Fragment, no TON intermediary, no waiting period.
Cloakd vs Telegram Stars at a Glance
| Feature | Cloakd | Telegram Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Connect a wallet, run /paywall — live in ~2 minutes | Enable Stars payments or channel subscriptions via Telegram's built-in settings |
| Who can pay | Anyone with a crypto wallet — 160+ coins across 40+ networks | Only people holding Telegram Stars (bought via in-app purchase or Fragment/TON) |
| Creator commission | Flat, published 1% per transaction | Reportedly near-zero on Stars received — Telegram has not published an official rate |
| Buyer-side cost | None beyond the price you set | Stars bought via iOS/Android in-app purchase cost roughly 30% more than via Fragment/TON, due to app-store fees |
| Custody & payout | Non-custodial — settles to your wallet immediately | Custodial — Stars accumulate in Telegram's system; withdrawal requires a minimum balance and a holding period before routing through Fragment into TON |
| Cashing out to fiat | Hold or swap any supported token directly | No direct fiat payout — you sell the withdrawn TON on an exchange yourself |
| Recurring billing options | One-time, lifetime, monthly, 3-month, yearly, or custom length, plus free trials | Monthly channel subscriptions only — no lifetime, custom durations, or free trials |
| Address privacy | Your receiving wallet hidden from payers by default | Not applicable — Telegram manages settlement internally |
When Telegram Stars is the better fit
- Your audience already holds Telegram Stars and you don't want to send them to an external wallet at all.
- You're comfortable routing funds through Fragment and TON and selling on an exchange yourself to reach fiat.
- You mainly want lightweight tips and reactions rather than a full membership/paywall system.
- You want the lowest-friction option for small, impulse-sized in-app tips.
When Cloakd is the better fit
- You want settlement straight to your own wallet instead of a custodial Stars balance you withdraw through Fragment.
- You need flexible billing — lifetime access, custom durations, or free trials — not just monthly subscriptions.
- You want payers to use crypto they already hold instead of first converting it into Telegram's own currency.
- You want a transparent, published fee instead of relying on an unconfirmed Telegram commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Telegram take a cut of Stars creators receive?
Telegram hasn't published an official commission rate, and most independent reporting puts its direct cut at or near zero. The real cost shows up on the buyer's side: Stars bought via iOS/Android in-app purchase run roughly 30% more than buying via Fragment with TON, because of app-store fees. Cloakd charges a single flat, published 1%.
How do I withdraw Telegram Stars as cash?
You withdraw Stars through Fragment into a TON wallet once you clear a minimum balance, after a holding period — then you sell that TON on an exchange for fiat yourself, since Telegram doesn't pay out fiat directly. Cloakd settles crypto straight to your own wallet with no intermediate currency or waiting period.
Can I offer a free trial or lifetime access with Telegram Stars?
No — Telegram's Stars-based channel subscriptions are monthly only. Cloakd supports one-time, lifetime, monthly, 3-month, yearly, and custom durations, plus an optional free trial.
Which is more private, Cloakd or Telegram Stars?
Telegram Stars is a closed-loop currency that stays inside Telegram's custody until you withdraw, so there's no separate payer/merchant address involved either way. Cloakd hides your receiving wallet address from payers by default and settles entirely outside Telegram's balance system.
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