Messenger users will soon be able to pay someone else with Venmo-style QR codes using Facebook Pay and they don't even have to be Facebook friends to do so. Facebook previously revealed that it was testing the use of QR codes for person-to-person payments in Messenger, and starting today, US users will now be able to send or request money that way. Users can access the feature in the Facebook Pay section of Messenger's settings. After tapping on your profile icon, you will be able to use a custom QR code. The code will have your profile icon in the center and below it will be your personal Facebook Pay URL 'https://m.me/pay/UserName'. Usefully, this can also be copied and sent to other users if you ask them to pay. Facebook said in a blog post that ultimately the biggest benefit of the new system is the convenience factor, saying the codes work seamlessly among all US Messenger users. There's no need for additional paid software or apps, while the feature also eliminates the need to type or download contacts to begin the process.
Facebook Messenger
Users who want to send or receive money through Messenger must be 18 years old and have a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Alternatively, they may have an active PayPal account, a compatible prepaid card, or a government-issued card. The currency setting must also be set to US dollars from within the app. After the initial setup process, you will be able to set your preferred payment method as the default option. Payments can be further protected using your own unique PIN code. The QR code feature can also be accessed through the Facebook Pay area of the main Facebook app and can be found in the carousel at the top of the screen. While Facebook Pay has been around since late 2019, many users seem to be shunning it in favor of apps like PayPal-owned Venmo, which already offer person-to-person QR code payments. However, the new feature may appeal to users in the United States, although Facebook hasn't indicated when, or if, it might roll out to other markets. It joins Facebook's Novi cryptocurrency wallet as part of a bid by the social media giant to expand its reach with a range of financial products and services.