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Jason Cipriani/CNET
On Monday, seemingly out of nowhere, Snapchat launched Snapcash. The new feature that makes it too easy for its users to send money to one another through the chat portion of the app.
Currently the feature is only available on Android, with the update having just hit the Play Store. The iOS update is said to be coming in the near future.
Beyond requiring an updated version of the app, setting up Snapcash requires users to be 18 (though there’s nothing stopping you from saying you’re of age), and a debit card.
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
To setup Snapcash, swipe into the “compose message” screen where you would normally chat. Enter a dollar amount and tap on the green button, which will force the app to begin the setup process.
After accepting the new Terms of Service, you will need to enter your debit card information. Due to the way Square Cash works, credit cards need not apply. After the initial setup process is complete, the app will take you back to the compose screen where you’ll find the dollar amount you entered is now green. Hit send and confirm your CVV number. Your friend will receive a message stating you’ve sent him or her money.
Unfortunately I couldn’t test the receiving end of Snapcash, as the iOS update isn’t out and my wife has a bad habit of forgetting passwords so I couldn’t log in to her account on my Android device. But she did receive a message from Team Snapchat stating I had sent her money. I would assume recipients will need to sign up following a similar process before being able to receive money.
When you’re sent money, it’s deposited the following day as a refund on your debit card.
You can change your linked debit card as well transaction history in the Settings portion of Snapchat proper.
