Starting September 2, 2026, creators in the U.S. will no longer receive payments via Stripe; all payouts for creator subscriptions and the Original Content Rewards Program will be routed through X Money, the platform’s payments system. This change brings instant access to funds. Under the old arrangement, payouts were made every two weeks and required a $30 minimum before funds could be processed.
From Stripe to X Money: What’s Changing
Previously, U.S. creators were paid via Stripe, subject to biweekly payouts and that $30 minimum. Creators now using X Money will automatically receive their earnings there. For those who haven’t converted to the new payment method, the update instructs them to set up X Money to start receiving upcoming payouts.
This isn’t just a tweak on payment cadence—it’s a firm shift. Creators will no longer have Stripe as an option, suggesting X is mandating X Money as the exclusive way to get paid. The company has been asked to clarify whether creators will have any retention of the old system—but for now, the message seems clear: X Money is the only path forward.
X Money’s Features & Larger Payment Strategy
X Money isn’t just a payout conduit—it’s a broader financial platform. It debuted earlier this month as part of X’s effort to build an “everything app.” Alongside instant payments, it includes a bank-issued card providing 3% cash back, free ATM withdrawals, and other digital banking tools. Accounts are handled via Cross River Bank, which is FDIC-insured, though X itself is not a bank.
Another perk: creator earnings through X Money count toward meeting direct deposit quotas to unlock the platform’s enhanced APY rate. For Premium users, the boosted APY is currently 6%, versus a standard 4% for others.
On the administrative side, creators will get 1099-NEC tax forms for individual income, while entities like LLCs must supply a W-9 so that information for tax reporting is accurate.
Overlapping Reforms to Creator Programs
This payout change comes as X is winding down its Creator Revenue Sharing Program. As of September 7, that program will be retired for all creators, and everyone will be moved into the Original Content Rewards Program—one that emphasizes producing unique, original content.
These shifts—payment platform, creator program—reflect a broader repositioning of X’s monetization framework. As the platform moves toward tighter control over commerce and creator payouts, it’s also pushing engagement toward original content.
Why this matters:For creators, switching to X Money means faster access to funds, more financial tools, and deeper integration with X’s Premium services. But it also means giving up flexibility—no more alternative payout channels. For X, pushing creators onto its own financial platform increases control, potentially lowers fees, and strengthens its ability to monetize across payments, membership income, and banking services. The upcoming retreat of the old revenue-sharing model suggests X wants more consistency and uniformity in how content is rewarded. Observers should watch how creators respond—whether these changes boost creator satisfaction, or spark resistance from those who preferred the old terms.
