Facebook Messenger app will soon allow people to send money to friends

Social network makes its big move into mobile payments, although the ability to send money directly to contacts will be US-only for now

Facebook is adding a feature to its Facebook Messenger app that will enable people to send payments directly to their friends on the social network.

The new feature will be launched in the coming months, initially for US users only. It will be available within the Android and iOS Messenger apps as well as through the messaging section of Facebook's website.

"We use secure systems that encrypt the connection between you and Facebook as well as your card information when you ask us to store it for you. We use layers of software and hardware protection that meet the highest industry standards.

These payment systems are kept in a secured environment that is separate from other parts of the Facebook network and that receive additional monitoring and control. A team of anti-fraud specialists monitor for suspicious purchase activity to help keep accounts safe."

Related: Messaging apps' next threads: encryption, payments, media and ads