X App Code Hints at Physical Card Launch for X Money

X’s ambition to become a comprehensive payments platform may soon materialize with the introduction of a physical debit card. Recent findings by mobile app intelligence firm AppSensa reveal that the X app has been updated with code referencing a physical debit card, potentially customizable with your X username.

The updated X app contains numerous new strings of code outlining various debit card functions. Users may be able to check shipping status, activate the card upon arrival, report it lost or stolen, lock the card, and set a PIN, among other features.

The code also includes references to “physical_card_option” and simply “physical,” further solidifying the possibility of a tangible payment card.

This development follows X CEO Linda Yaccarino’s January announcement of a partnership with Visa for the X Money service. This partnership aims to enable instant funding of X Wallet accounts via Visa Direct, facilitating peer-to-peer (P2P) payments and instant transfers to bank accounts.

Yaccarino also teased more announcements regarding X Money throughout the year, suggesting X’s broader ambitions in the digital banking and payment sectors.

X’s pursuit of money transmitter licenses across the U.S. further underscores its commitment to payments. As of December 2023, X held licenses in a dozen states, a number that has since grown to encompass 40 states plus Washington, D.C., according to official registrations.

Additional code snippets hint at potential features like “cashback” and “deferred debit.” Users may also have the ability to manage their virtual and physical cards independently.

The app’s code also suggests that X may be exploring relationships with other payment card brands, as MasterCard and Amex are listed as supported options.

X owner Elon Musk has long expressed his vision of transforming X into a super app. In November 2022, he outlined plans for an “everything app” encompassing payments, banking, enhanced video support, and creator tools. Last year, evidence emerged of X developing a Payments button for the main navigation bar.

Musk’s interest in payments dates back to his involvement with X.com, which later became PayPal. He reacquired the X.com domain in 2017 and subsequently rebranded Twitter as X in 2023.

While X has not provided a specific timeline for the launch of X Money, Yaccarino indicated it would happen sometime “later this year.” She also recently told the Financial Times of X’s plans to incorporate investments and trading into its super app offerings.