This has been rumored for a while, but it looks like Facebook has started testing their new Paypal-like e-commerce system with some 3rd-party apps.

The payments platform could position Facebook to become a significant e-commerce player, not just challenging Ebay (and PayPal), but also Amazon and iTunes.

While technically still operating in the red, CEO Mark Zukerberg said they expect to be profitable this year. Presumably part of this proected revenue increase will be coming from the new payments system.

One can only assume this eventually work with Facebook Connect, as well as the iPhone app.

Of course, MySpace has their own in the works as well.

FT.com / Companies / Media – Facebook brings in payment system.