TLDR:
- X CEO Linda Yaccarino has confirmed X Money will launch in 2025, alongside X TV and deeper Grok AI integration, as part of the platform’s evolution into a “super app”
- X has secured money transmitter licenses in 39 US states, suggesting a potential state-by-state rollout strategy rather than waiting for all 50 states
- Leaked code references suggest X Money implementation may be in advanced stages, though X hasn’t confirmed the legitimacy of these leaks
- Cryptocurrency integration remains speculative but possible, given Elon Musk’s history with Bitcoin and Dogecoin through Tesla
- The platform aims to compete with established payment providers like PayPal by combining social media, payments, and other services
X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is moving forward with plans to launch its payment system, X Money, in 2025. The company has secured money transmitter licenses in 39 US states, setting the stage for a phased rollout of its payment features.
CEO Linda Yaccarino confirmed the 2025 launch timeline in a December 31 post on the platform. The announcement came as part of a broader vision for X’s evolution, which includes the introduction of X TV and enhanced integration of the Grok AI chatbot.
In 2024, X changed the world. Now, YOU are the media!
2025 X will connect you in ways never thought possible. X TV, X Money, Grok and more.
Buckle up. Happy New Year!🥂
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) December 31, 2024
Recent developments suggest the payment system’s implementation may be progressing. A leaked source code, discovered by MacRumors contributing researcher Aaron Perris, includes the message “X Money is not available in your state,” hinting at the technical infrastructure being put in place for the state-by-state rollout strategy.
The initial launch would exclude 11 states where X has yet to obtain necessary licenses. These states include Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, according to entrepreneur Alex Finn’s analysis.
X’s move into payment services represents a key step toward Elon Musk’s vision of creating an “everything app.” This concept has been central to the platform’s strategy since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition in 2022, aiming to combine social media, financial transactions, and other services within a single ecosystem.
The platform began its journey into financial technology in 2024 with the announcement of a peer-to-peer payment system. While the initial rollout faced delays, the company has made progress in securing regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions.
California, Illinois, and Virginia are among the major markets where X has obtained money transmitter licenses, positioning the platform to compete with established payment providers like PayPal. The integration of payment features could allow users to conduct financial transactions as easily as sharing content on the platform.
One key feature of X Money will be the ability for users to tip content creators directly through the platform. This functionality could potentially reshape how creators monetize their content on X.
Crypto Involved?
Questions remain about the potential role of cryptocurrencies in X Money. While the platform hasn’t officially confirmed any crypto integration plans, speculation has emerged due to Musk’s previous involvement with digital currencies through his other ventures.
Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, currently accepts Dogecoin for merchandise purchases and holds $1.1 billion worth of Bitcoin, according to Arkham Intelligence data. This history has led some observers to suggest that X Money might include cryptocurrency support.
In a self-hosted X Spaces discussion, Alex Finn expressed his belief that “X payments in one way or another will support cryptocurrency,” citing it as an efficient method for moving currency. He suggested that crypto could serve as a key infrastructure component for X’s payment system.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has proposed incorporating USD Coin (USDC) into X’s payment system, highlighting the stablecoin’s utility for transactions. However, X has not commented on these suggestions or confirmed any plans for cryptocurrency integration.
The leaked code and ongoing license acquisitions indicate that X is making steady progress toward its payment system launch. However, the company has not verified the authenticity of the leaked source code or provided specific details about X Money’s features and capabilities.
X’s regulatory approach suggests the platform may proceed with launching X Money in states where it has secured approval, rather than waiting for licenses from all 50 states. This strategy could allow for a faster market entry while continuing to pursue remaining state licenses.
The payment system represents part of X’s broader 2025 initiatives, which Yaccarino described as enabling users to “connect in ways never thought possible.” These developments position X to expand beyond its social media roots into a more comprehensive digital services platform.
