In a move further strengthening its commitment to mobile, Facebook now allows users to make payments through the Messenger app.

Pay pals

Facebook announced the news in a blog post.

"Today we’re adding a new feature in Messenger that gives people a more convenient and secure way to send or receive money between friends."

Mobile checkout

To send money users start by composing a message to a friend, then selecting the $ icon.

Users then enter the amount they want to send and tap the Pay button, where Visa and MasterCard debit card details can be added. 

Users wanting to accept money must also add their debit card details. For increased security, users can add a password or Apple TouchID fingerprint.

Facebook says the money will be transferred straight away, but can take up to three business days to land depending on the users' bank.

Tap out

The feature could be a potential threat to PayPal, which currently rules the mobile payments market.

However with over half of Facebook's 1.2 billion users now mobile, expect PayPal to be following developments very closely.

The update is rolling out across the US over the coming months. 

To find out more visit newsroom.fb.com.