Twitter preparing to accept online payments

Twitter is close to letting users purchase products directly through the platform, according to Recode.

Recode has reported that the social network is nearing a deal with payments start-up Stripe to help it accept credit card payments from its users. Both companies have refused to comment.

The deal, if completed, could see Twitter become a genuine player as a real-time global marketplace.

“[It] will be the surest sign that the social network is finally serious about making it easier for brands, retailers or manufacturers to sell stuff directly on Twitter,” writes Recode.

Twitter, which currently has 230 million users worldwide, entered the stock market in November 2013 with shares priced at $26 – the largest Silicon Valley offering since Facebook’s listing in 2012.

Though the social networking site has never made a profit, since 2010 its revenue has grown more than tenfold, now at $317 million.