Recent leaks suggest that WhatsApp could be in the process of adding international payments through its in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service. This move would expand WhatsApp Pay beyond its current limitations and potentially attract a larger user base for the platform’s financial services.
WhatsApp Payments, also known as WhatsApp Pay, was initially rolled out to Indian users in November 2020. However, the platform’s entry into the payments sector was considered late compared to established rivals in the market. Despite the delay, WhatsApp Pay has gained traction among users in India.
The leak, shared by tipster @AssembleDebug on social media, hinted at the addition of international payments on WhatsApp using UPI for Indian users. This new feature, which has not been confirmed officially by WhatsApp, was showcased through screenshots posted by the tipster.
According to the screenshots, the International payments option will appear in the Payments menu within the app. Users can then select start and end dates for the feature and activate it by entering their UPI PIN. The feature allows Indian users to send money to select international merchants and complete transactions in countries where international UPI services are enabled by local banks.
If implemented, the international payments feature on WhatsApp could provide users with a convenient and seamless way to make cross-border transactions. With a purported three-month limit on the feature, users would need to reactivate it periodically to continue using it, similar to how Google Pay handles international transactions.
Competition in the UPI Space
While WhatsApp is exploring the possibility of international payments, other prominent players in the UPI space such as Google Pay and PhonePe already offer similar services. The competition among these platforms could intensify as they aim to capture a larger share of the digital payments market in India.
The potential introduction of international payments on WhatsApp through UPI signifies the platform’s continued efforts to enhance its financial services and cater to the evolving needs of users. As the digital payments landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp navigates the competitive market and differentiates its offerings to attract and retain users seeking convenient and secure payment solutions.
Leave a Reply