Facebook checkout allows users to make purchases directly within the Facebook platform. This convenient feature eliminates the need to visit an external website to complete transactions. Facebook checkout supports a range of payment methods that buyers can use to pay for goods and services.
Credit and Debit Cards
The most common payment method for Facebook checkout is credit and debit cards. Users can input their card details directly into the Facebook checkout flow and the payment will be processed via the Facebook Payments system.
Facebook supports Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit and debit cards. Users will need to input their card number, expiration date and CVV security code to complete the purchase. The card details are encrypted and tokenised for security.
Facebook checkout supports one-click payments for cards that have been saved to a user’s account. This allows for faster repeat purchases without needing to re-enter card details. Users can manage their saved cards in their Payment Settings.
Purchases made via credit and debit cards on Facebook are generally interest-free and do not incur additional fees. The transaction will appear on the user’s normal card statement.
Facebook Pay
Facebook Pay is the company’s digital wallet service. It allows users to upload details of their credit/debit cards, PayPal account or other payment methods to their Facebook account. These details can then be used for seamless one-click checkout.
To use Facebook Pay at checkout, users simply need to select the ‘Facebook Pay’ payment option and confirm the purchase using their fingerprint, face ID or Facebook password. There is no need to manually enter any payment details.
Facebook Pay provides enhanced security, as the users’ actual card or account details are not shared directly with the merchant. It also enables quick checkout across Facebook’s family of apps and services.
PayPal
For users who have a PayPal account, this can be used as a payment method for Facebook checkout. Users can link their PayPal account in their Facebook Payment Settings.
At checkout, buyers can select PayPal as the payment method. They will be redirected to log in to their PayPal account and approve the payment. The funds will be transferred from the user’s PayPal balance, bank account or card linked to their PayPal wallet.
PayPal serves as a convenient payment intermediary and provides purchase protection for extra peace of mind. PayPal also allows users to earn and redeem rewards, where applicable.
Payment Platforms
Facebook checkout integrates with a range of popular online payment platforms to give users more choice. The availability of these platforms varies based on region.
For example, in India Facebook checkout supports payments via Paytm, Freecharge and Mobikwik. These digital wallets are widely used for online transactions in India.
In Indonesia, Facebook has partnered with payment platforms like GoPay and OVO for purchases via Facebook checkout. South East Asian users can pay using payment apps like GCash.
Partnering with local payment providers allows Facebook to offer more relevant payment methods to users in different countries.
Facebook Merchant Shops
Facebook now allows businesses to create online ‘shops’ within the Facebook app. Users can browse products, add them to a cart, and checkout directly within Facebook – without needing to visit the merchant’s external website.
For these Facebook merchant shops, checkout payments are processed by the merchant’s existing payment provider, whether that is Stripe, Adyen, PayPal or another payment gateway.
So when users pay on a merchant’s Facebook shop, they will see the familiar payment options enabled by that merchant outside of Facebook. This provides a consistent checkout experience.
Cryptocurrency
Facebook does not currently allow cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to be used directly as a payment method for Facebook checkout services.
However, there are indirect ways that cryptocurrency holders can use their funds to make purchases on Facebook.
For example, a service like Coinbase allows users to sell their crypto and deposit the funds into a linked bank account. That bank account can then be used to make debit card payments via Facebook checkout.
Alternatively, some crypto exchange services issue virtual debit cards that can be topped up with crypto funds. The debit card details can then be used for Facebook checkout purchases.
While crypto cannot be used directly yet, these types of intermediary services allow crypto holders to liquidate their funds for Facebook payments.
Peer-to-Peer Payments
Facebook supports peer-to-peer payments between users. This allows people to easily send funds to friends and family via Facebook Messenger.
However, peer-to-peer payments should not be confused with Facebook checkout. Peer-to-peer payments are designed for personal transfers between users. Facebook checkout is used for purchasing goods or services from businesses and creators.
Offline Payments
Facebook checkout is designed for digital payments online. There is currently no ability to accept cash or offline payments as part of the Facebook checkout process.
Of course, buyers can choose to use cash, check or other offline methods when purchasing directly from a business outside of Facebook. But within the Facebook checkout flow itself, only digital payment methods are supported.
Split Payments
Facebook checkout does not natively support split payments, where the cost is divided across multiple payment methods or users.
If buyers wanted to split a Facebook checkout payment between different cards or accounts, they would need to calculate the amounts and conduct separate transactions for each portion.
The entire purchase amount must be covered by a single payment method when completing the transaction within Facebook checkout.
Payment Method Restrictions
Facebook checkout places some restrictions on payment methods:
- Prepaid gift cards cannot be used, unless they are linked to PayPal or another digital wallet
- Virtual cards from privacy services are prohibited
- Debit cards must be enabled for online transactions
- Users must have sufficient funds in their account to cover the purchase amount
These restrictions aim to reduce the risk of fraudulent payments and increase the reliability of transactions for merchants and advertisers.
Age Restrictions
Facebook checkout requires users to be at least 18 years old to make purchases. Minors are prohibited from using payment accounts and credit/debit cards to complete transactions via Facebook checkout.
In some jurisdictions, the minimum age to use payments functionality may be higher based on local regulations. But Facebook’s baseline age restriction for payments is 18+ globally.
If minors attempt to use Facebook checkout, their transaction will be blocked and their parent/guardian will be notified.
Buyer Protection
Facebook checkout aims to provide protection for buyers in case issues arise with a purchase:
- Fraudulent transactions can be reported and disputed via Facebook Payments Support
- Refunds may be available if goods are not as described or defective
- Facebook will mediate disputes and take action against sellers violating policies
- Credit card chargebacks may apply, where backed by the card provider
Ultimately, buyers are responsible for using good judgement and only purchasing from trusted sellers with a good reputation.
Seller Protection
On the other side, Facebook also provides mechanisms to protect sellers against fraudulent buyer activity:
- Facebook Payments uses advanced fraud detection and risk analysis tools
- Suspicious transactions will be flagged to the seller for manual review
- Malicious chargebacks can be disputed and reversed
- Sellers have access to transaction histories and analytics
Facebook aims to give sellers peace of mind by minimizing the risk of non-payment or fraudulent disputes.
Payment Support
If users encounter any issues with Facebook checkout payments, the following support options are available:
- In-app support – Tap ‘Get Support’ under the issue description
- Help Center articles – Troubleshooting and how-to guides
- Facebook Payments Support – For account-specific issues
- Appeals process – For disputes and ban appeals
- Bug reporting – Report checkout bugs and errors
Facebook is continually improving the payments experience and addressing bugs impacting checkout. Users can get assistance via Help Center resources or by contacting the Facebook Payments support team.
Future Payment Options
Facebook is likely to expand the payment methods supported for Facebook checkout over time.
Based on job listings and comments by Facebook executives, the company appears to be exploring potential support for:
- Paying with QR codes
- Bank account payments
- Apple Pay
- WhatsApp Pay
- WeChat Pay and Alipay
- Giropay and iDEAL
Introducing additional localized payment methods will help Facebook expand checkout features to more countries and regions in the future.
Cryptocurrencies also remain a potential option if Facebook can address regulatory concerns around blockchain payments.
Augmenting the range of supported payment providers aligns with Facebook’s aims to become a global commerce platform.
Conclusion
Facebook checkout offers buyers and sellers an efficient integrated payments experience within Facebook’s apps. Core payment methods include credit/debit cards, Facebook Pay, PayPal and a range of regional e-wallets and payment platforms.
Facebook provides tools to protect both buyers and sellers conducting transactions via Facebook checkout. And the company continues to address bugs, refine the process, and expand available payment options.
Overall, Facebook checkout integration aims to keep users within the Facebook ecosystem for the full commerce journey from discovery to purchase. Smoothing payments friction and risks enhances the appeal of this integrated approach.