Skip to main content

Facebook Messenger rolling out feature to let friends send money to each other

Facebook has today announced it is rolling out a new feature for users that will let friends send money to each other, through its Facebook Messenger app. Like similar services, a simple tap allows users to send a cash amount to their recipient in a single step.

Users must first associate a Visa or MasterCard debit card to their Facebook accounts. Then, a ‘$’ symbol appears in the Facebook Messenger user interface alongside the chatbox. Sharing credit card information with Facebook is a dangerous prospect for many people, although the company says it will not monetize the service ‘at this time’. For the time being, sending money has no charge per transaction above the cash amount you are sending.

When it launches, the feature will only be available to US residents. It is unclear whether Facebook plans to expand internationally. The Facebook Messenger payment feature was first revealed late last year, when a developer found the UI elements hidden inside the app. If you don’t want to wait for Facebook to actually release the announced feature, check out competing services like Square Cash — the idea of easily sending money to friends through an app is not particularly new.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. 89p13 - 9 years ago

    And . . . How soon until this is hacked? FaceBook and Security – Polar Opposites!

  2. I’ll be sticking with Square Cash, thank you very much.

  3. chrisl84 - 9 years ago

    If there is no charge for this service….and you have a cash back debit card…..couldnt you and your friend just send 1000 back and forth all day long and just keep the cash back bonus and never actually have spent anything?

    • chrisl84 - 9 years ago

      If facebook rings this up as a “purchase” not a bank transfer. I’d do it all day every day just soaking up the cash back.

  4. nsxrebel - 9 years ago

    Yeah, not giving FB any access to my banking.

  5. Don Wise (@doncwise) - 9 years ago

    I won’t even have FB on my iPhone or iPad anymore, much less their messenger app; they have horrible security to begin with, amongst other issues.

  6. NerdShouts - 9 years ago

    Why Facebook why?

    You know, no one wants to use your Messenger, but still you are forcing it on everyone!

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.