TikTok is working on a new feature that allows users in the US to send money through direct messages using TikTok Pay. The feature is in early development and has not yet been publicly tested. It was discovered through hidden code in TikTok's US iPhone app, reported by TechCrunch on August 18 and Japan Times on August 19 [1, 2].
The payment capability will let senders include a message with their funds, similar to captions on Venmo payments [1, 3, 2]. Recipients will have the option to "tap to accept" the payment before an expiration date, adding a layer of control for receiving funds [1, 3, 2].
Currently, TikTok Pay is only available in Southeast Asia—specifically Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand—where it is used mainly for purchases through TikTok Shop [1, 3, 2]. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is actively looking to expand its financial services worldwide by introducing peer-to-peer payments to new markets including the United States [1, 3].
In addition to the US plans, TikTok has applied to Brazil’s central bank to gain approval as a fintech, aiming to offer lending and payment services[S1].
TikTok’s in-app purchase revenue has surged globally, with consumers spending more than US$2.9 billion so far in 2026. The app has held the top position worldwide for in-app purchase revenue since 2022 [3]. In the US market, TikTok users spend more on the platform than on competitors YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram combined [3].
The company has not publicly announced a launch date for the peer-to-peer payments feature in the US, but the discovery in the app’s code signals ongoing development. More details are expected once TikTok begins public testing or officially confirms the service.
