Elon Musk’s X Gears Up To Become Your Wallet Too: Physical Debit Card In The Works

Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to turn X into a full-fledged financial platform appear to be gathering momentum. Fresh clues hidden within the app’s code suggest that X is preparing to roll out a physical debit card as part of its expanding financial services arm, dubbed ‘X Money’.

According to mobile app intelligence firm AppSensa, recent updates to the X app include new code strings referencing a “physical_card_option.” This indicates that users may soon have the choice to obtain a physical debit card, potentially customised with their X usernames, as reported by TechCrunch.

Visa Partnership Already In Place

The potential debut of a physical debit card builds on earlier steps taken by X Money to enter the payments space. In January, X CEO Linda Yaccarino had announced a partnership with Visa, enabling secure and instant fund transfers to users' X Wallets via Visa Direct. The platform also plans to offer peer-to-peer (P2P) payments through the same system.

At the time, Yaccarino stated, “We have bigger announcements for X Money coming throughout the year.” Supporting these ambitions, X—operating as X Payments LLC—has so far obtained money transmitter licenses in 32 U.S. states, with active registrations reportedly extending to 41 states, according to data from NMLS Consumer Access.

Hints At Cashback, Security Features, And Multiple Card Brands

Further code analysis by AppSensa reveals additional potential features tied to the upcoming debit card. References to cashback offers, deferred debit options, theft indicators, and card cancellation functionalities were all found within the app’s backend. The code suggests that both virtual and physical cards may operate independently, offering users flexibility in how they manage their funds.

Currently, Visa remains the only officially confirmed partner. However, AppSensa’s findings point to possible future collaborations with Mastercard and American Express as well, indicating X’s intent to broaden its payment network.

Musk’s ‘Everything App’ Vision Moves Closer

This latest development echoes Musk’s long-stated ambition to turn X into an “everything app” — a vision he first publicly articulated after acquiring the platform in 2022. At the time, he hinted that integrating payments and banking services would be a major part of X’s evolution. Since his takeover, X has faced significant challenges, including a backlash from some users and advertisers over concerns related to content moderation and misinformation.

In a related development last year, app researcher Nima Owji had discovered a new “Payments” button added to X’s navigation bar, further signalling the platform’s growing financial aspirations.

While other social media giants like Meta have experimented with adding shopping, gaming, and even dating features, Musk’s X appears focused on embedding comprehensive financial services directly into the social media experience, pushing it closer to becoming a true all-in-one platform for its users.

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