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How to use Facebook Messenger payments

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Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger isn't available on Finder right now.

Instant withdrawal fee
0%
Fees to send
No fees
Maximum transfer amount (verified)
$9,999

Summary

Send money to friends and family online.

Facebook Messenger lets you transfer money to friends and family while keeping your card details safe — as long as you know who you're talking to.

In this guide

  • Review
  • Details
    • Product details
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  • Ask a question

Details

Product details

Product Name Facebook Messenger
Fees to send No fees
Instant withdrawal fee 0%
Free withdrawal speed Up to 1 business day
Payment method Debit card
Ways to receive Debit card
Maximum transfer amount (unverified) $9,999
Maximum transfer amount (verified) $9,999
Supported devices iOS app, Android app
Customer support Phone
Supports international transfers? No

How do I request and send money through Facebook?

    1. Create or sign in to your Facebook account. You’ll need to be active with Facebook to access Facebook Messenger and begin sending money to your contacts.
    2. Add a payment method. From the “Settings” menu, navigate to “Payments” and choose “Account Settings.” From there, you can add a US bank-issued debit card or link your PayPal account. PayPal payments are only available when sending on the Messenger mobile app.Facebook payments setup
    3. Start your transfer. Create a new message and click or tap the dollar sign near the bottom right corner. A smaller pop-up window will ask you to input the dollar amount you’re paying or requesting and what the payment is for. Choose which payment method you want to use and then choose “Pay.” You can transfer money between other Facebook users only.

    step one facebook money transfer

    step two facebook money transfer

    What happens when someone sends or requests money from me?

    1. You receive a message on Facebook. Notification of your request or payment will appear in Messenger just like any other message.
    2. Accept or deny the payment request. If you accept the request, the amount will be withdrawn from your linked account. If you deny it, the person who requested the money will receive notification.step five facebook money transfer request details
    3. Accept or deny the payment. If you’ve received a payment, you can accept it for immediate deposit to your linked account. You can also deny the payment if you don’t recognize the sender or are otherwise wary.

    Is Facebook’s payment system safe?

    Facebook encrypts payments and user information to safeguard your money and transaction details. It also requires you to confirm your identity at times, either with personal information or PINs. Facebook’s payment system hasn’t suffered a single security breach since its launch in March 2015.

    Like other services, Facebook’s payment system is still susceptible to scams. To use Facebook’s payment system safely, avoid clicking on links from people you do not know or paying people you have not met in person.

    Tips to keep your finances safe on Facebook

    If you decide to use Facebook for managing your money, consider the following tips.

    • Password. A password helps to keep your financial information secure. After your first successful transaction, you’ll see a prompt asking if you’d like to use your password for future transactions. You should definitely do this to stay on the safe side, and of course, always keep your password secure and secret.
    • Scammers and hackers. Don’t let this new functionality make the work of scammers and hackers any easier. Alarm bells should instantly sound if a friend or friend-of-friend requests money out of the blue without prior discussion. That person’s Messenger account could have been hacked. Make sure you’re communicating with the right person by calling or video-chatting with them before you make a payment.
    • Personal details. Remember to never share your personal details with people you don’t know. When you want to exchange personal information with a trusted friend, consider using a different app or platform so your information can’t be easily compromised by any single app or website.

    Ultimately, Facebook Pay could make life simpler when it comes to things like splitting the dinner bill or repaying a friend for a movie ticket. It’s quick and easy and, best of all, free.

    Pros

    • Safety backed by Facebook. The social networking giant encrypts every message sent through its messaging service and uses a second layer of encryption for money transfers. If you have a newer iPhone or iPad, you can use your fingerprint to complete your transaction.
    • Easy payments through a familiar system. If you already use Facebook Messenger, sending money is a natural extension of something you already do.

    Cons

    • Up to five days for receipt. Although money is transferred right away, you may have to wait a few days for your bank to approve the transaction.
    • Businesses can’t use it. Facebook supports personal transactions between family and friends only.
    • Only available in select countries. As of this writing, you can only send or receive payments through Facebook if you live in the United States, the United Kingdom or France.

    Bottom Line

    There are many money transfer apps out there that can help you send funds to a friend or family member in minutes. Facebook’s Messenger makes it convenient to send using a social media website that you might already spend a lot of time on. If you plan to send a lot of money, send money overseas or make regular payments, however, we suggest you compare more money transfer options to find the right one for you.

    Compare other services that send money within the US

    Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
    Wise logo
    Within minutes
    From 0.41%
    Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
    PayPal logo
    Within minutes
    From $0
    Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
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Whether products shown are available to you is subject to individual provider sole approval and discretion in accordance with the eligibility criteria and T&Cs on the provider website.

Name Product USFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
OFX logo
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
Xe logo
Within minutes
From $0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
MoneyGram  logo
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Instarem  logo
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Xe logo
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Remitly  logo
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
CurrencyTransfer  logo
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
WorldRemit  logo
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
OFX logo
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
PayPal logo
Within minutes
$0
Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise logo
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Wise logo
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Wise logo
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer  logo
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
WorldRemit  logo
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyFair logo
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.