Facebook Confirms Test of QR Code Payments

Need to Know

• Facebook is currently testing the use of QR code payments via Facebook Pay for customers in the US.
• The QR code payment system will allow customers to both send and request money.
• Users will be able to scan a QR code to issue a payment, or can use a personalized payment URL, which can be sent to others when making a payment or sending a request for payment.

Analysis

Facebook has confirmed that it is testing a new feature that will allow physical person-to-person payments via QR codes.

The new feature, which was spotted by MacRumours, is displayed as “Scan” button in Facebook Pay’s top-screen carousel. When a user taps the “Scan” button, they are presented with the option to scan a friend’s QR code with their smartphone camera to send or request money within Facebook Pay, via Messenger.

Users will also be provided with a personalized payment URL, which can be shared outside of Facebook. Using this link will automatically direct users to a secure page, where they can transfer money to the recipient’s account.

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed that the company is testing the new QR code feature, saying the new tool will “make payments on Messenger even easier.” The tool is currently only available in the US.

Facebook launched Facebook Pay in 2019, and the tool is currently available via all of Facebook’s apps, which include Facebook itself, as well as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Facebook Pay currently enables users to send and receive money digitally, whereas the new QR code tool will enable in-person payments through Facebook Pay.

The QR code payment tool is similar to a feature offered by Venmo and PayPal, which allows users to scan a QR code within those apps to send a payment. In November, CVS partnered with Venmo and PayPal to make contactless QR code payments available at 8,200 stores in the US.

Facebook has been working to expand its e-comm capabilities in recent months, most notably with the launch of Facebook Shop, a new retail hub available directly within Facebook’s app and browser version, in August. Last month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that there are already one million active shops within Facebook Shop, with more than 250 million interactions per month. Facebook also recently integrated Shopify’s payments processor, Shop Pay, into Facebook and Instagram, marking the first time Shop Pay is being made available outside of Shopify’s own platform.