(Pocket-lint) – Meta has introduced a new bill-splitting feature, called Split Payment, in Facebook Messenger.
The company started testing the feature in the US at the end of 2021. Now, it’s rolling out to all Facebook Messenger users, which should make it easier to divvy up a utility bill with roommates, for instance, or split a restaurant or bar tab with friends. You can ask people for money – directly in a group chat – and then even see who has paid their portion of the bill.
“If you’ve struggled with dividing up (and getting paid back for) group dinners, shared household expenses, or even the monthly rent, it’s about to get easier”, explained Meta in a blog post. “We’re starting to test Split Payments, a free and fast way to share the cost of bills and expenses”.
How Split Payment works in Messenger
Link a payment method
Each person in the group chat needs to have a payment method linked to their account to send or receive money. If you already have a payment method linked, any money sent to you is transferred right away, though it may take your payment provider up to 3-5 business days to post the money to your account. To learn how to link a payment method, see Facebook’s support hub here.
Request money from friends
- Open the latest version of the Messenger app.
- Start a group chat with the friends you want to request money from.
- Tap + (or four-button icon) at the bottom of the chat.
- Tap the Payments icon.
- Tap Get Started.
- Select one or multiple friends you want to request money from.
- Tap Next.
- Enter the total amount you want to request.
- You can tap next to each person’s name and request different amounts.
- Below the total amount, add a note explaining what the payment is for.
- Tap Review in the top right, then tap Confirm request.
Pay friends who requested money
- Open the latest version of the Messenger app.
- Open the group chat you received a payment request in.
- Tap Pay below Payment Pending.
- Tap Pay, then tap Confirm [dollar amount] Payment.
- If you created a Facebook Pay PIN, enter it to confirm your payment.
Are there any fees or hidden costs?
No. Meta said Split Payments is a “free and fast” way to share the cost of bills.
Who can use Split Payments?
On 9 February 2022, Meta announced it’s rolling out to all Messenger users.
Need more help?
Check out Facebook’s blog post and support page for more information.
Writing by Maggie Tillman. Editing by Britta O’Boyle.
