Today, Facebook Messenger revealed that it has begun testing a brand-new “Split Payments” function, which offers users a means to split the cost of bills and other outgoings via the app. According to the business, using the new function to manage finances over Messenger is “free and fast.” U.S. users will begin receiving the new feature the following week.
Users must click the “Get Started” button in a group conversation or the Payments Hub in Messenger in order to use Split Payments. From there, you can alter the contribution amounts for each person in the group chat, with or without yourself included, or split a bill in half evenly.
Additionally, you will have the choice to type a customized message. Finally, you will be prompted to verify your Facebook Pay information before your request is sent and made visible in your group chat thread.
The business wrote in a blog post about the new functionality, “If you’ve struggled with dividing (and getting paid back for) group dinners, shared home bills, or even the monthly rent, it’s about to get easier.”
The introduction of Split Payments coincides with Messenger’s recent addition of QR codes for person-to-person payments that are similar to Venmo. Even if they are not Facebook friends, anyone can send or request money through Facebook Pay thanks to the U.S.-only codes. In Messenger’s settings, you can find the option under the “Facebook Pay” section.
In order to provide a payment system that works across all of the company’s apps for not only inter-person payments but also for other things like donations and e-commerce, Facebook Pay was first introduced in November 2019.
Along with a few other Messenger improvements, Split Payments was launched. These updates included the creation of four new groups of augmented reality effects by Emma Chamberlain, Zach King, Bella Poarch, and King Bach.
The business adds that two new “Stranger Things” Soudmojis, or emojis that make sounds when sent over Messenger, as well as a new chat theme, was just released. A new Taylor Swift soudmoji was recently released by Messenger to commemorate the arrival of “Red.”