Is Sending Money Through Facebook Messenger Safe

Instant withdrawal fee

$9,999

Maximum transfer amount (verified)

Details

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

Elizabeth Hamilton is passionate about engaging her audience, creating content and, of course, finding good bargains on shoes.

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.
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.
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 If you accept the request, the amount will be withdrawn from your linked account.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.
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.
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