X shifts US creator payouts from Stripe to X Money

Elon Musk's social media platform X announced on Wednesday that it will transition all U.S. creator payouts to its own X Money payments service, starting immediately. This includes revenue from both the X Original Content Rewards Program and creators' subscriptions. The primary advantage of X Money is that payouts are immediate, without the need to wait for billing cycles or meet minimum thresholds.

Previously, payments were issued bi-weekly with a $30 minimum, according to X's documentation. However, the announcement suggests that X is eliminating other payment options, effectively compelling creators to utilize X Money, even if they preferred the prior Stripe-based system. X has been requested for further clarification on this change.

This shift comes after other alterations to X's creator programs. On September 7, X will discontinue its Creator Revenue Sharing Program, which had ceased accepting new members the month prior, directing creators to the Original Content Rewards Program, which places greater emphasis on original content. The new X Money service, introduced earlier this month, is part of Musk's strategy to transform X into a comprehensive "everything app."

It includes a debit card with 3% cashback, instant payments, free ATM withdrawals, and other digital banking services. However, X Money is not a bank; accounts are insured by the FDIC at Cross River Bank. Payouts to X Money accounts will also satisfy the service's direct deposit requirements for users to unlock a higher APY rate.

Currently, X Premium users receive a 6% rate, compared to the standard 4%. Additionally, X will issue a 1099-NEC form for individuals who receive creator payouts, while the company will collect W-9 information from LLCs to ensure accurate 1099 reporting.