If you’ve ever wanted to send a friend some money through Facebook Messenger, you’re apparently going to be getting your wish, at least someday, as soon as Facebook turns on the feature.
Screenshots and video taken using iOS app exploration developer tool Cycript by Stanford computer science student Andrew Aude (via) show the functionality is indeed there, and will allow you to send payments to friends one way in about the same way you would send a photo. You’ll be able to add a debit card (no credit cards or bank accounts apparently) or use one they already have on file with Facebook, with an in-app pincode added for extra security.
You’ll eventually be able to send group payments
Facebook hasn’t officially announced the feature, so it’s unclear whether you’ll be able to send money for free or by paying a small fee and the social network has been pretty mum about the functionality.
This is a confirmation of rumors in late July in which payments were rumored to be a part of the future Messenger app, with code first discovered by security researcher Jonathan Zdziarski last month.
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PayPal may also be an option in the feature according to Aude, who notes about PayPal is mentioned in the code. Payments will also eventually be able to be made in groups, though it will be one friend to another friend for now.
There’s no telling when everyone will get access, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground for any new information.
Will you be using Facebook Messenger to send money to friends?