TikTok and Visa have launched a debit card for content creators in the UK, aiming to provide quicker access to earnings from the platform. The new 'creator card' is designed for users who make money through TikTok Live, a feature that allows creators to receive virtual gifts from viewers.
The card links directly to a user's creator account, addressing cashflow issues that often leave creators waiting days or weeks for payments. According to TikTok, more than 15 million people broadcasted via its platform in Europe in 2025. Viewers can send virtual gifts such as roses, which are converted into 'diamonds' and then into real money.
Visa-commissioned research indicates that 49% of creators have experienced late or inconsistent payments affecting their business, while 41% have turned down work due to cashflow problems. The card is virtual and can also be used for other earnings, including brand partnerships, helping creators separate personal and business finances.
There is no sign-up fee for the card, which is available to users aged 18 and over via the TikTok app. The account linked to the card is not a business bank account, but allows payments through digital wallets. The launch reflects growing efforts by platforms to formalise creator payments, as the creator economy is estimated to be worth up to $500bn by 2027.
