Facebook Payments work through Messenger, not the main Facebook app
To send money on Facebook, you use Facebook Messenger — the separate messaging app or the Messenger tab inside Facebook. You can send money to friends in the United States if both of you have a valid payment method on file (a debit card, credit card, or bank account). The money moves from your account to theirs, usually within one to three business days.
Facebook Payments is not the same as Facebook Pay, which is Facebook's broader payment system used for shopping and donations. For peer-to-peer transfers between friends, you are using the money-sending feature built into Messenger.
The feature is available only in the United States. If you or the person you are sending to lives outside the US, this method will not work.
Key Takeaways
- Open Facebook Messenger, find the person you want to send money to, and tap the plus sign or attachment icon to reveal the money-sending option.
- You must have a valid debit card, credit card, or bank account linked to your Facebook account before you can send money.
- The recipient does not need to accept the payment — it arrives in their Messenger account automatically, though they can decline it.
- Facebook does not charge a fee to send money between friends, but your bank or card issuer may charge a fee depending on your account type.
- Money sent through Messenger is not protected by the same fraud safeguards as credit card transactions, so verify the recipient before sending.
Step-by-step process to send money in Messenger
Open Facebook Messenger on your phone or computer. Find the conversation with the person you want to send money to. If you have not messaged them before, search for their name and start a new conversation.
On a phone, tap the plus sign (iOS) or the attachment icon (Android) at the bottom of the message box. On a computer, look for the plus sign or paperclip icon. A menu will appear with options including money, photos, and location. Tap or click the money icon.
Enter the amount you want to send. A keyboard will appear for you to type the dollar amount. After you enter the amount, tap or click Next. Facebook will ask you to confirm your payment method — the card or bank account you want to use.
Review the details and tap or click Send. The money will leave your account immediately, though it may take one to three business days to appear in the recipient's bank account or Messenger wallet.
Payment methods Facebook accepts
You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account to your Facebook account for sending money. Debit cards and bank accounts are the most common choices because they draw directly from your funds. Credit cards work but may be treated as a cash advance by your card issuer, which can trigger higher fees and interest rates.
To add a payment method, go to your Facebook settings, select Payments, and choose Add Payment Method. You will need to provide the card number, expiration date, and CVV, or your bank account and routing number. Facebook will verify the method by processing a small temporary charge (usually under a dollar) that you will see reversed.
If you have multiple payment methods on file, you can choose which one to use each time you send money. You do not have to use the same method every time.
What happens after you send money
Once you send money, it leaves your account right away. The recipient sees the payment in their Messenger inbox as a notification. They do not have to do anything to receive it — the money is theirs to keep or decline.
If the recipient declines the payment, the money returns to your account within one to three business days. If they accept it, the money goes into their Messenger wallet or their linked bank account, depending on their settings.
You can see the status of your payment in your Messenger conversation. Look for a receipt or confirmation message that shows whether the payment was sent, accepted, or declined. If you need to cancel a payment before it is accepted, you may be able to do so through your payment history, though this depends on how quickly the recipient acts.
Fees and costs
Facebook does not charge a fee to send money between friends through Messenger. The transfer is free on Facebook's end.
However, your bank or card issuer may charge a fee depending on your account type and the payment method you use. Some checking accounts charge a fee for outgoing transfers. Some credit cards treat peer-to-peer payments as cash advances and charge a fee plus higher interest. Debit cards typically do not charge a fee, but check your account terms to be sure.
The recipient also does not pay a fee to receive money through Messenger.
Security and fraud protection
Money sent through Messenger is not protected by the same fraud safeguards as credit card transactions. Once you send money, you cannot reverse it unless the recipient agrees to send it back. There is no chargeback process like there is with credit cards.
Before you send money, make sure you are messaging the right person. Scammers sometimes create fake accounts with names similar to people you know. Verify the person's identity through another method — a phone call, a video chat, or a question only they would know the answer to.
If you send money to someone by mistake, contact them immediately and ask them to return it. If they refuse or if you believe you have been scammed, report the transaction to Facebook through your payment history. Facebook can investigate, but recovery is not may provide.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you do not see the money option in Messenger, your account may not be set up for payments yet. Go to your Facebook settings, select Payments, and add a valid payment method. You must be at least 18 years old and have a US address on file.
If your payment fails, your payment method may have expired, been declined by your bank, or reached a limit. Try a different payment method or contact your bank to ask why the transaction was declined. Some banks block peer-to-peer payments by default for security reasons — you may need to call them to allow it.
If the money does not arrive after three business days, check with the recipient to make sure they accepted it. If they did, contact your bank to see if there is a delay on their end. If the payment was declined, the money should return to your account within one to three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money through Facebook on my computer?
Yes. Open Messenger on Facebook.com or messenger.com, find the conversation, and click the plus sign or paperclip icon. The process is the same as on a phone, though the menu layout may look slightly different.
What if the person I want to send money to does not have Messenger?
They need a Facebook account and Messenger to receive money. If they do not have either, you will need to use a different payment method, such as Venmo, PayPal, or a direct bank transfer.
Can I send money internationally through Messenger?
No. Facebook Messenger payments are only available in the United States. Both you and the recipient must have US addresses on file.
Is there a limit to how much money I can send?
Yes, but the limit varies. Facebook typically allows between $1 and $300 per transaction, though your bank or card issuer may set a lower limit. Check your payment method's terms or contact your bank if you are unsure.
What if I send money to the wrong person?
Contact them immediately and ask them to return it. If they refuse, report the transaction to Facebook through your payment history. Facebook can investigate, but they cannot force the person to return the money. If you believe you were scammed, you may also report it to the Federal Trade Commission.