What Facebook Pay is and how to use it
Facebook Pay is a payment method built into Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger that lets you send money to friends, buy items from sellers on Facebook Marketplace, or pay for in-app purchases without entering your card details each time. You link a debit card, credit card, or bank account once, and Facebook stores that information securely so you can complete transactions with a few taps.
To set up Facebook Pay, open Facebook or Instagram, go to Settings, find Payments, and select "Add payment method." You'll enter your card or bank details, confirm your identity, and then you're ready to use it. The first time you make a payment, Facebook may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email — this is a security step that happens once.
When you use Facebook Pay to send money to a friend or make a purchase, the transaction goes through Facebook's payment system rather than directly between you and the recipient. Facebook holds the money briefly, confirms both sides of the transaction, and then releases it. For peer-to-peer transfers (money between friends), the recipient gets the funds in their Facebook Pay balance or linked bank account within one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Pay stores your card or bank account information so you don't have to re-enter it for every transaction on Facebook, Instagram, or Messenger.
- You can use it to send money to friends, buy from Marketplace sellers, or pay for in-app purchases within Facebook's apps.
- Transactions are processed through Facebook's payment system, which verifies both sides before releasing funds.
- Money sent to friends typically arrives within one to three business days if going to their bank account, or instantly if they receive it in their Facebook Pay balance.
- Facebook Pay is free to set up and use for most transactions, though some third-party sellers on Marketplace may charge their own fees.
Where you can use Facebook Pay
Facebook Pay works across Facebook's family of apps: Facebook itself, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp (in some countries). Within each app, you can use it in specific places. On Facebook and Instagram, you can send money directly to friends through Messenger, buy items from Marketplace sellers, or pay for ads if you run a business account. On Messenger, you can send money to contacts or request money from them.
Third-party sellers and businesses that use Facebook's payment tools also accept Facebook Pay. This includes some online stores that have set up shop on Facebook, though not all sellers use Facebook Pay — some only accept traditional credit cards or other payment methods. When you're on a seller's page or product listing, you'll see which payment methods they accept before you complete the purchase.
Facebook Pay does not work everywhere that accepts regular credit or debit cards. You cannot use it at physical stores, gas stations, or restaurants — it only works within Facebook's apps and on websites or apps that have integrated Facebook's payment system. If you need to pay in person or at a traditional online store, you'll need to use your card directly or another payment method.
How Facebook Pay handles your information and security
When you add a payment method to Facebook Pay, your card or bank account number is encrypted and stored on Facebook's servers, not shared with every seller or recipient you transact with. Instead, Facebook assigns you a token — a unique code — that represents your payment method. When you make a purchase, the seller receives the token, not your actual card number. This reduces the risk that your full card details will be exposed if a seller's system is compromised.
Facebook also requires identity verification the first time you use Facebook Pay and may ask for it again if your account activity looks unusual. This verification typically involves confirming your name, address, and date of birth, and may include a code sent to your phone. These steps are designed to prevent fraud and unauthorized use of your account.
Your transaction history is visible in your Facebook Pay settings under "Payments" or "Transaction History," depending on which app you're using. You can see what you spent, who you sent money to, and when each transaction occurred. If you notice a transaction you didn't make, you can report it through Facebook's help center, and Facebook will investigate.
Fees and costs
Facebook Pay itself is free to set up and use for most transactions. Sending money to friends through Messenger or requesting money costs nothing. Buying items from Marketplace sellers also has no Facebook Pay fee — you pay only the seller's price.
However, some transactions may involve fees from sources other than Facebook. If you link a bank account and Facebook needs to verify it, your bank may charge a small fee (usually under $1) for the verification deposits. Some sellers on Marketplace may add a processing fee to their prices, though this is their choice and not a Facebook requirement. If you use Facebook Pay to pay for ads or business services, those costs depend on what you're advertising or buying, not on the payment method itself.
If you receive money through Facebook Pay and want to withdraw it to your bank account, Facebook does not charge for the transfer, but your bank may take one to three business days to process it. Some banks charge a small fee for incoming transfers, though most do not.
Sending money to friends and requesting payments
To send money to a friend through Messenger, open a conversation with them, tap the "+" icon (on mobile) or look for the payments option, and select "Send Money." Enter the amount, confirm your payment method, and send. The recipient will see the money arrive in their Messenger account and can accept it into their Facebook Pay balance or linked bank account.
Requesting money works the same way in reverse. Open a conversation, select "Request Money," enter the amount and reason (optional), and send the request. Your friend will see the request and can pay it directly through Messenger. If they don't pay within a few days, you can send a reminder.
Money sent between friends is not reversible once accepted by the recipient. If you send money by mistake or change your mind, you'll need to ask the recipient to send it back — Facebook cannot undo the transaction. For this reason, double-check the amount and recipient before confirming any transfer.
Buying from Marketplace sellers with Facebook Pay
When you find an item on Facebook Marketplace and the seller accepts Facebook Pay, you can complete the purchase without leaving the app. Tap "Buy Now" or "Send Offer," review the price and seller details, and confirm your payment method. Facebook Pay will process the transaction, and the seller will receive notification that payment has been received.
The seller then ships the item or arranges pickup, depending on what they listed. Your receipt appears in your Facebook Pay transaction history, and you can message the seller through Marketplace to coordinate delivery or ask questions. If there's a problem with the item or the seller doesn't send it, you can report the transaction through Marketplace's resolution center, and Facebook may be able to help recover your money.
Not all Marketplace sellers use Facebook Pay. Some accept only cash, bank transfer, or other payment methods. The seller's accepted payment methods are listed on their item page, so you'll know before you commit to a purchase.
Removing or changing your payment method
You can remove a payment method from Facebook Pay at any time by going to Settings, selecting Payments, and deleting the card or bank account. Once removed, you won't be able to use that method for new transactions, though past transactions remain in your history. If you want to use Facebook Pay again, you'll need to add a new payment method.
You can also update your payment information if your card expires or you want to switch to a different card. Go to your payment settings, select the method you want to change, and update the details. Facebook will verify the new information before you can use it.
If your card is lost, stolen, or compromised, remove it from Facebook Pay immediately and add a different card. You should also contact your bank or card issuer to report the issue. Facebook Pay will not charge your old card for new transactions once you've removed it, but your bank may still need to issue you a replacement card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Facebook Pay if I don't have a bank account?
No. Facebook Pay requires either a debit card, credit card, or bank account to fund transactions. If you don't have a bank account, you would need to open one or use a prepaid debit card (which you can load with cash at many retailers) to set up Facebook Pay.
What happens if a seller doesn't send the item after I pay with Facebook Pay?
You can report the transaction through Facebook Marketplace's resolution center. Facebook will investigate and may refund your money if the seller cannot prove they shipped the item or if the transaction appears fraudulent. Keep messages with the seller and any tracking information to support your case.
Is Facebook Pay the same as a digital wallet?
Facebook Pay is similar to a digital wallet in that it stores your payment information securely, but it's more limited in scope. It only works within Facebook's apps and on sites that have integrated Facebook's payment system. A broader digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay works at millions of stores and online retailers worldwide.
Can someone else use my Facebook Pay if they have access to my account?
Yes. If someone logs into your Facebook account, they can use your stored payment method to send money or make purchases. This is why it's important to use a strong, unique password for Facebook and enable two-factor authentication (a security code sent to your phone when someone tries to log in from a new device).
How long does it take for money to arrive when I send it to a friend?
If your friend accepts the money into their Facebook Pay balance, it arrives instantly. If they want it transferred to their bank account, it typically takes one to three business days, depending on their bank's processing speed. Weekends and holidays may add extra time.