Facebook users in the U.S. can now send money through Messenger

Facebook is finally rolling out its Messenger payment features to all users across the U.S., now making the old "I'll pay you back later" excuse obsolete.

Facebook first began testing Messenger payments in March in a few select locations, and it later expanded them in May to New York City and the surrounding areas. Now everyone in the U.S. can use Messenger payments, which Facebook said "gives people a more convenient and secure way to send or receive money between friends."

How it works

The first time you attempt to send money through Facebook Messenger, the app will ask you to set up a debit card that will be used for all future payments. Everything else is pretty straightforward.

Sending money

Start a message to the friend you want to pay.

Tap the "$" icon at the bottom of the message.

Enter the amount of money you want to send.

Tap "Pay" in the top right corner of the screen.

Receiving money

Open the message from the friend who sent the payment.

Tap "Add Card" if you have not set up a debit card yet.

Is it secure?

Security is the primary concern for any app or service that requires payment information, and that is doubly true for a service run by Facebook, which does not have the best track record for privacy.

In the blog post first announcing Messenger payments in March, Facebook explained that the app is completely safe to use.

"Incorporating security best practices into our payments business has always been a top priority," Facebook said at the time. "We use secure systems that encrypt the connection between you and Facebook, as well as your card information when you ask us to store it for you. We use layers of software and hardware protection that meet the highest industry standards."

Facebook added, "These payment systems are kept in a secured environment that is separate from other parts of the Facebook network and that receive additional monitoring and control. A team of anti-fraud specialists monitor for suspicious purchase activity to help keep accounts safe."

So yes, the app is safe to use — at least according to Facebook anyway.

Image credit: Facebook, Inc.

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Eric David Eric David is a staff writer for SiliconANGLE covering the latest tech developments in mobile, social and gaming. Got a news tip, story, or Star Citizen alpha invite to give away? Contact Eric @LiteralEric on Twitter. Latest posts by Eric David (see all)

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