Facebook adds payments to Messenger for US users

Facebook is rolling out a payments system for its Messenger service, allowing users to send money to contacts instantly.

The company said US users of its instant messaging application can link a debit card to their account, transferring the money with just a few taps.

The transactions will be encrypted and handled by Facebook, which already processes more than a million transactions every day for advertisers and game players on the social network.

The new feature will be available in the coming months on iOS, Android and desktop.

“Incorporating security best practices into our payments business has always been a top priority,” Facebook said. “These payment systems are kept in a secured environment that is separate from other parts of the Facebook network and that receive additional monitoring and control. A team of anti-fraud specialists monitor for suspicious purchase activity to help keep accounts safe.”

Users will also be able to add a PIN, or use Apple’s Touch ID security to protect their payments.