TikTok and Visa have introduced a debit card for content creators in the United Kingdom, aiming to accelerate access to earnings generated on the platform. The card, named the creator card, is specifically tailored for individuals earning money through TikTok Live, a livestreaming feature that allows viewers to send virtual gifts that are later converted into cash.
Addressing Payment Delays
The two companies stated that the card, linked directly to a user's creator account, is designed to resolve cashflow issues that many creators face. Often, creators wait days or even weeks for payments to clear, which can disrupt their financial management. The new card aims to provide quicker access to funds.
Launched in 2020, TikTok Live enables users to broadcast in real time to their audience. According to TikTok, over 15 million people in Europe used this feature to broadcast in 2025. Viewers can interact by sending comments or virtual gifts, such as roses, which are converted into diamonds and subsequently into real money.
Financial Challenges for Creators
Creators who earn through TikTok Live typically manage their finances via personal bank accounts, and in some cases, payouts can take up to a month. Research commissioned by Visa indicates that 49% of creators have experienced late or inconsistent payments, negatively impacting their ability to run their business. Additionally, 41% have had to decline work due to cashflow problems.
Many creators also seek to separate their personal and business finances. The creator card is a virtual debit card that can be used for other earnings, including brand partnerships. Payments can be made through digital wallets, and the linked account can be accessed via the TikTok app. However, it is important to note that this account is not a business bank account.
Availability and Features
There is no sign-up fee for the card. It is available to users aged 18 and over, who must apply through the TikTok app. TikTok Live has become a significant income stream for many creators, blending entertainment and commerce. A report by The Guardian highlighted that livestreaming increasingly blurs the line between entertainment and shopping, with audiences regularly purchasing and sending digital gifts during broadcasts.
During livestreams, viewers can buy TikTok coins in-app, which are used to send virtual gifts as tokens of appreciation. The launch of the creator card reflects broader efforts by platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Patreon to formalize creator payments and build infrastructure around the creator economy. Visa estimates that this economy includes 200 million people globally and could be worth $500 billion (£370 billion) by 2027.
