Facebook Messenger adds foreign money transfers via TransferWise

Facebook's messaging app is the latest to offer currency exchanges and payments using a bot.

Scott Stein Editor at Large

I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.

Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials

Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps

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Scott Stein

Feb. 22, 2017 8:44 a.m. PT

Paying via messaging app is becoming more common, thanks to bots. Facebook Messenger has added another one, via TransferWise, a UK-based global money transfer service.

Facebook's messaging app already supports Alipay, international money transfers via Azimo, PayPal, Stripe and major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

TransferWise makes payments via bot, which could be useful for some transactions. It also offers rate alerts in case of currency fluctuations, if you're making regular international payments. But if making major financial transactions via bot makes you uncomfortable, you might consider paying via a more standard app interface.

TransferWise's Facebook Messenger bot works for payments between the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Eventually, TransferWise plans to expand across the 50 countries that work with TransferWise's service.

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