Telegram Stars are the official in-app currency of Telegram. You spend them to unlock paid content, tip creators, boost channels, and pay inside bots. This guide walks you through every way to buy them — from the dead-simple to the cheapest.
Before You Start: Pick Your Method
There are three ways to buy Stars. Pick one based on what matters to you:
| I want… | Use this method |
|---|---|
| The absolute easiest way, right now | Method 1 — Buy in the Telegram app |
| Avoid the Apple/Google 30% markup | Method 2 — Buy via @PremiumBot or Desktop |
| The cheapest price possible | Method 3 — Buy with crypto (TON) |
What Are Stars, Anyway?
Telegram Stars (⭐) are the official Telegram currency. Real money goes in, Stars come out. You use them inside Telegram — you can't cash them out.
You can spend Stars on:
- Paid posts and locked media in channels
- Goods and services in bots and Mini Apps
- Tipping creators and sending paid reactions
- Gifting Telegram Premium to friends
- Boosting your channel
Stars do not expire. Purchases are non-refundable. You can't transfer your balance to another account — but you can gift Stars to others.
How Much Do Stars Cost?
The price depends on where you buy. The Stars themselves are the same — only the markup changes.
| Where you buy | Price per 100 Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| iOS app | ~$2.00 | Apple adds ~30% on top |
| Android app | ~$2.00 | Google adds ~30% on top |
| Telegram Desktop or Web | ~$1.60–1.70 | No app store cut |
| @PremiumBot | ~$1.60–1.70 | Official bot, no store cut |
| Crypto (TON/USDT) | ~$0.90–1.70 | Near-wholesale rates |
iOS and Android apps are the most expensive because Apple and Google take ~30% of every purchase. You're not being ripped off by Telegram — you're paying the app store tax. Buy on desktop or via crypto to skip it.
Method 1: Buy Inside the Telegram App
Best for: Anyone who wants Stars in the next 2 minutes with zero setup.
Downside: Most expensive option due to Apple/Google markup.
On iPhone (iOS)
- Open Telegram.
- Tap your profile picture (top left).
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Telegram Stars.
- Choose a package — starts at 50 Stars.
- Confirm with Apple Pay or your card.
Stars appear in your balance immediately.
On Android
- Open Telegram.
- Tap the hamburger menu (☰) or your profile picture.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Telegram Stars.
- Choose a package.
- Pay via Google Pay or card.
Stars appear instantly.
⚠️ Both iOS and Android add ~30% to the price automatically. There's no way around this when buying inside the mobile app.
Method 2: Buy via @PremiumBot or Telegram Desktop
Best for: People who want to skip the app store markup without touching crypto.
Saves you: ~20–30% compared to buying in the mobile app.
Option A — @PremiumBot (works on your phone, no markup)
- Open Telegram on any device.
- Search for @PremiumBot or go to
t.me/PremiumBot. - Tap Start.
- Tap Buy Stars.
- Choose the amount of Stars you want.
- Pay by card, bank transfer, or crypto (depends on your region).
No app store, no markup.
Option B — Telegram Desktop or Web
- Download Telegram for desktop at desktop.telegram.org — or open web.telegram.org in your browser.
- Log in with your phone number.
- Go to Settings → Telegram Stars.
- Pick a package and pay by card.
Same Stars, lower price.
Method 3: Buy with Crypto (Cheapest)
Best for: Anyone who wants the lowest possible price and is okay with a crypto wallet.
Saves you: Up to 40% compared to the mobile app.
Fragment (fragment.com) is Telegram's official blockchain marketplace. It sells Stars at near-wholesale rates using TON or USDT — completely bypassing Apple and Google.
Step 1 — Get a TON Wallet
You need a wallet that supports TON. Download one of these (both are free):
- Tonkeeper — tonkeeper.com
- MyTonWallet — mytonwallet.io
Available on iOS, Android, and desktop.
Step 2 — Get Some TON
Buy TON on any major exchange: Binance, OKX, Bybit, or Coinbase. Then withdraw it to your Tonkeeper or MyTonWallet address.
Don't have a crypto exchange account? This step takes 10–30 minutes for verification on most platforms. If that's too much friction, go with Method 2 instead.
Step 3 — Buy on Fragment
- Open fragment.com in your browser.
- Click Stars in the top menu.
- Enter how many Stars you want (minimum 50).
- Click Buy → Connect Wallet.
- Scan the QR code with Tonkeeper or MyTonWallet.
- Approve the transaction in your wallet app.
Stars land in your Telegram account within ~30 seconds. No account registration. No KYC. No documents.
Crypto Price Reference (mid-2026)
| Stars | Approx. Price (TON/USDT) |
|---|---|
| 50 Stars | ~$0.90 |
| 100 Stars | ~$1.70 |
| 500 Stars | ~$8.60 |
| 1,000 Stars | ~$17.30 |
Prices move with the TON exchange rate. Always check the live price at checkout — the table above is a rough guide only.
Safety: What to Watch Out For
Legitimate platforms will:
- Ask for your Telegram username or TON wallet address only
- Use on-chain, verifiable transactions
- Never ask for your Telegram password
Never give anyone:
- Your Telegram password
- Your 2FA code
- Your wallet seed phrase
If a website or bot asks for your login credentials to sell you Stars — it's a scam. Close the tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Stars for someone else?
Not as a direct balance transfer. You can buy a Telegram Gift inside the app and send it — the recipient gets Stars they can use.
Do Stars expire?
No. They sit in your account indefinitely.
Can I get a refund?
No. All Stars purchases are final, same as any in-app currency.
What's the minimum amount I can buy?
50 Stars, regardless of where you buy.
Stars aren't available in my country — what do I do?
Use @PremiumBot or the crypto method. Both work globally and don't depend on regional app store availability.