Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook, Inc. will allow its users to send mobile payments via Facebook Messenger, according to a report from Techcrunch. Screenshots from a video taken by Andrew Adue, a Stanford computer science student, revealed that the functionality already exists within the iOS Facebook Messenger app, but that Facebook has not yet enabled it.

If one assumes the screenshots are accurate, users will eventually be able to send money to other Facebook users through the Messenger app, similar to the way they currently send photos. Adue was able to access the feature using Cycript, a free and open source iOS app exploration developer tool.

@Facebook Messenger has P2P payments coming. @SquareCash style. pic.twitter.com/3NuXuuaMMC

@Facebook Messenger has P2P payments coming. @SquareCash style. pic.twitter.com/3NuXuuaMMC

— Andrew Aude (@andyplace2) October 4, 2014

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the payments feature at Facebook’s Q2 earnings call but did not say when the service would be unveiled. He did, however, stress that it would take a long time because “there’s so much groundwork for us to do.” Part of laying that groundwork involved hiring former PayPal, Inc. president David Marcus to run its Messaging Products division.

Even though the code is clearly there and may even be somewhat functional at this time, there is no indication that the payment system is ready to go. Part of the delay may involve Facebook’s need to find a way to monetize the transactions by charging a fee, integrating ads or some other method. If Facebook is successful in launching its payment system, it will place itself in direct competition with other payment apps from PayPal, Square Inc. and others.

photo credit: Janitors via photopin cc