TLDR
X’s new features will let users trade, invest, and manage finances directly in the app, expanding beyond social media.
X partners with Visa for real-time transfers, aiming to build a comprehensive financial hub with payments and investments.
CEO Linda Yaccarino confirms X will soon offer in-app trading and investing, competing with platforms like Robinhood.
X’s long-term goal is to become a super app, combining social media, finance, and payments into one platform.
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is set to introduce new features that will allow users to trade and invest directly within the app. This move is part of Musk’s broader plan to turn X into a super app, similar to China’s WeChat. The upcoming in-app services aim to revolutionize how users interact with financial services while expanding X’s capabilities beyond social networking.
X’s Ambition to Compete with Financial Platforms
Elon Musk’s X has long been more than just a social media platform. Elon Musk’s vision for the app has been clear since he acquired Twitter in 2022. By integrating various services into one platform, Musk aims to make X a one-stop solution for everything from messaging to payments.
CEO Linda Yaccarino confirmed that in-app trading and investing are coming soon, signaling that X will soon compete with established financial platforms like Robinhood.
Yaccarino stated, “You’ll be able to come to X and be able to transact your whole financial life on the platform.” These new services will likely include the ability to buy and sell assets, allowing users to manage investments without leaving the app. This initiative is a key part of Musk’s broader strategy to make X an essential app for everyday life.
New Payment and Investment Features
In addition to the trading and investing features, Elon Musk’s X will also roll out a peer-to-peer payment service, X Money, which was first revealed earlier this year.
This service will allow users to send and receive money seamlessly within the app. Furthermore, X plans to introduce a branded debit or credit card before the end of 2025, according to Yaccarino.
X Money is already backed by a partnership with Visa, providing real-time transfers between bank accounts and in-app digital wallets. This feature represents a significant step toward making X a central hub for all financial activities, including payments, investments, and more.
Exploring Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets
While Yaccarino did not directly mention cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Dogecoin in her announcement, the platform already supports some crypto functionalities.
Users can tip content creators using Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, and X displays real-time cryptocurrency prices through its $Cashtags feature. It is also possible that these features could expand to include crypto trading as X moves further into financial services.
Musk has been a vocal supporter of Dogecoin, often referencing it in his public statements. While there was no confirmation regarding the inclusion of Dogecoin in the new trading and investment features, its presence on the platform remains a possibility. The integration of crypto services could attract users familiar with digital assets, giving X a competitive edge over traditional financial apps.
X’s Path Toward Super App Status
The push to incorporate trading, investing, and payment services into X reflects Musk’s long-term goal of creating a super app that offers users everything they need in one place. By building a comprehensive ecosystem, Elon Musk’s X aims to combine social media, financial services, and other functionalities into a unified experience. This strategy mirrors the success of WeChat, which combines messaging, payments, social networking, and a range of other services.
Musk’s broader ambition for X includes expanding its user base and increasing engagement by offering features that appeal to a wider audience. The company has already made strides in improving the platform’s chat capabilities and cracking down on illegal activities, which could further support its evolution into a super app. As X continues to expand its services, the introduction of investment and trading options is seen as a key step in achieving that goal.
X’s upcoming features will be rolled out first in the United States, with plans to expand further as regulatory approvals are secured. The company has been actively seeking money-transmitter licenses across U.S. states, and aims to obtain approval in all 50 states for its financial services operations. With these moves, X is positioning itself as a strong contender in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support