TikTok Explores P2P Payments in DMs Using TikTok Pay
TikTok is developing direct-message payments using TikTok Pay, hidden U.S. iPhone code suggests, potentially challenging Venmo, Zelle and X Money rivals.
Summary
On August 18, 2026, TechCrunch’s Aisha Malik reported at 1:03 p.m. PDT that Bloomberg found hidden code in TikTok’s current U.S. iPhone app for peer-to-peer payments through direct messages. The proposed feature would use TikTok Pay, already available in Southeast Asia for TikTok Shop purchases. Recipients could tap to accept money, while senders could attach messages, resembling Venmo transfers.
TikTok told Bloomberg the feature is not being tested, indicating early development, and neither timing nor a broad release is confirmed. TikTok did not immediately answer TechCrunch’s request for comment. Reuters reported earlier in 2026 that TikTok sought Brazil central bank approval to operate as a financial technology company offering lending and payments. P2P transfers would extend its expansion into search, TikTok Shop, local discovery maps, games and hotel bookings, while placing it against Venmo, Zelle and X Money, the recently launched payment service from X, formerly Twitter.
Positives
- TikTok Pay already supports TikTok Shop purchases in Southeast Asia, giving the proposed transfer feature an existing payment foundation.
- Hidden U.S. iPhone app code describes tap-to-accept transfers and payment messages, outlining a Venmo-like user experience.
- TikTok applied to Brazil’s central bank in 2026 to offer lending and payment services as a financial technology company.
- Peer-to-peer transfers would complement TikTok’s existing expansion into search, commerce, local discovery, games and hotel bookings.
Risks & concerns
- TikTok told Bloomberg the payment feature is not being tested, indicating it remains at an early development stage.
- No release date is known, and TikTok may never make peer-to-peer payments widely available.
- TikTok did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment about the reported feature.
- Venmo, Zelle and X Money would provide established competition if TikTok launches direct-message payments.