Facebook Payments lets you send money to friends and receive payments through Messenger without leaving the app
Facebook Payments is a built-in money transfer feature inside Facebook Messenger that works between friends in the United States. You can send money to another person's Messenger account, and they receive it in their linked bank account or card. The money moves directly between your bank account and theirs — Facebook does not hold the funds. Transfers usually land within one to three business days.
The feature works on both the Facebook mobile app and the web version of Messenger. You will need a valid debit card or bank account linked to your Facebook account, and the person receiving the money needs to have Messenger set up as well. There are no fees to send or receive money through this method.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Payments transfers money directly from your bank account to a friend's bank account through Messenger, with no fees charged by Facebook.
- You must link a debit card or bank account to your Facebook account before you can send money, and the recipient must have Messenger active.
- Transfers typically arrive within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank and the recipient's bank.
- You can only send money to people you are already connected with on Facebook or Messenger, not to strangers or businesses.
Setting up your payment method
Before you send money, you need to add a payment method to your Facebook account. Open the Facebook app or go to Facebook.com, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on mobile or the top right on desktop. Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Look for Personal Information and select Payment Methods.
Tap Add Payment Method and choose either Debit Card or Bank Account. If you choose a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you choose a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number, which you can find at the bottom of a check or by logging into your bank's website. Facebook will verify the account by making two small deposits to your bank account, which usually takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can start sending money.
How to send money through Messenger
Open Messenger and find the conversation with the person you want to send money to. Tap the plus icon (on mobile) or the attachment icon (on desktop) at the bottom of the chat. Select Payments from the menu that appears. You may need to scroll through the options to find it.
Enter the amount you want to send and tap Next. Review the details — the recipient's name, the amount, and your payment method — then tap Send. The recipient will see a notification in Messenger that you sent them money. They do not have to do anything to receive it; the money will go directly to their linked bank account or card within one to three business days.
How to receive money from someone else
You do not need to do anything special to receive money. When someone sends you money through Messenger, you will see a notification in the chat. The money will automatically go to the bank account or debit card you have linked to your Facebook account. You can check where the money is going by opening Settings, selecting Personal Information, then Payment Methods, and looking at your linked account.
If you have not linked a payment method yet, you will be prompted to do so when someone tries to send you money. You can set this up at that time, or you can add it ahead of time using the steps described above. Once your payment method is linked, all money sent to you will go there automatically.
Limits on how much you can send
Facebook does not publicly state a single maximum amount per transaction, but most banks and payment processors limit peer-to-peer transfers to between $500 and $2,000 per day. The exact limit depends on your bank and your account history. If you try to send more than your limit allows, Messenger will show you an error message telling you the maximum amount you can send at that time.
If you need to send a larger amount, you can split it into multiple transfers on different days. You can also contact your bank to ask if they allow higher limits for peer-to-peer transfers, though they may charge a fee or require additional verification. Facebook Payments itself does not charge fees, but your bank may charge a small fee for certain types of transfers depending on your account type.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the Payments option does not appear in your Messenger menu, make sure you have a payment method linked to your Facebook account and that your account is in good standing. Some accounts are not yet able to use Payments — Facebook is rolling out the feature gradually, so it may not be available to everyone. Try updating the Facebook app to the latest version, as older versions sometimes do not show all features.
If a transfer is taking longer than three business days, check your bank account to see if it arrived there. Sometimes the money lands in your account but the Messenger notification is delayed. If it has not arrived after three business days, open the Messenger conversation where you sent or received the money, find the payment message, and look for a Help or Report option. You can also contact your bank directly to ask if they have received the transfer.
If you see an error message when trying to send money, the most common causes are an expired debit card, insufficient funds in your bank account, or a mismatch between the name on your Facebook account and the name on your bank account. Update your payment method or check your bank balance, then try again. If the problem continues, you may need to contact your bank to confirm they allow transfers through Facebook Payments.
Privacy and security when sending money
Facebook Payments uses encryption to protect your bank account information, meaning your account number and routing number are not shared with the person receiving the money. Only the amount and the date of the transfer appear in the Messenger chat. Your bank account details stay between you and Facebook.
Only send money to people you know and trust. Once the money reaches the recipient's bank account, it cannot be reversed or recalled — it is their money at that point. If you send money to someone by mistake or if they do not send you the item or service you agreed on, you will need to ask them to send it back. Facebook does not have a dispute process for peer-to-peer transfers the way it does for purchases from businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone who does not have a payment method linked yet?
Yes. When you send money to someone without a linked payment method, they will receive a notification asking them to add one. They can set up their bank account or debit card at that time, and the money will go to whichever account they link. They do not have to do this immediately — they can set it up whenever they are ready.
What happens if I send money to the wrong person?
Once the money reaches their bank account, you cannot reverse it through Facebook. You will need to contact the person directly and ask them to send it back. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, you may be able to dispute the charge with your bank, but this is not may provide. Always double-check the recipient's name before you tap Send.
Does Facebook charge a fee to send or receive money?
Facebook does not charge a fee for peer-to-peer transfers. However, your bank may charge a small fee depending on your account type and the type of transfer. Check with your bank if you are unsure whether they charge for incoming or outgoing transfers.
Can I use Facebook Payments to send money to a business or store?
No. Facebook Payments is only for sending money to friends and people you know. To pay a business, you would use Facebook's checkout feature or a different payment method. Messenger will only show the Payments option when you are chatting with another individual, not a business account.
How long does it take for money to show up in my bank account?
Most transfers arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and the recipient's bank. Weekends and holidays can add extra time. If it has been more than three business days, check your bank account directly or contact your bank to confirm the transfer arrived.