In the United States, Facebook Messenger is testing a new ‘Split Payments’ feature
Facebook Messenger announced today that it is beginning to test a new “Split Payments” feature that allows users to split the cost of bills and expenses via the app.
According to the company, the new feature is a “free and quick” way to manage finances through Messenger. The new feature will be available to US users starting next week.
Users can use Split Payments by clicking the “Get Started” button in a group chat or the Payments Hub in Messenger. You can then split a bill evenly or change the contribution amount for each individual in the group chat, with or without yourself included. You will also be able to enter a personalized message. Finally, you will be prompted to confirm your Facebook Pay information, after which your request will be sent and visible in your group chat thread.
“If you’ve struggled with dividing up (and getting reimbursed for) group dinners, shared household expenses, or even the monthly rent, things are about to get easier,” the company said in a blog post about the new feature.
Split Payments arrives on the heels of Messenger’s recent addition of Venmo-like QR codes for person-to-person payments. The codes went live in the United States and allow anyone to send or request money via Facebook Pay — even if they aren’t Facebook friends. The feature can be found in Messenger’s settings under the “Facebook Pay” tab.
Facebook Pay debuted in November 2019 as a way to establish a payment system that extends across the company’s apps for things like donations and e-commerce, in addition to person-to-person payments.
Split Payments was released alongside a few other Messenger updates, including four new group AR effects created in collaboration with creators Emma Chamberlain, Zach King, Bella Poarch, and King Bach.
The company also mentions that it recently released two new “Stranger Things” Soudmojis, which are emoji that play a sound when sent within Messenger, as well as a new chat theme. Messenger also added a new Taylor Swift Soudmoji to commemorate the release of “Red.”
