WhatsApp the online messaging service launched their payments feature on Sunday. The United Payment Interface, UPI platform, is now live on the iOS as well as on Android devices. It is interesting to note here, India is the first country in the world to get this feature! So far, this feature has only been made available in the beta version and will soon be made available in the updated versions.
With the introduction of the payments option, WhatsApp has become more than just a messaging service. The newly rolled out payments feature lets users transfer money to their WhatsApp contacts through the app. By introducing this feature, these UPI based payments feature is squashing all competition and other online wallets in India. Further, this feature also allows users to transfer money directly from their bank accounts to anyone instantly.
WhatsApp payments option is now available in two places on the app, settings option and below the attachment icon when you open a particular chat. It is very similar to other mobile wallets like Paytm, Mobikwick and Tez. However, WhatsApp payments app as of now does not support payment option for merchants. This feature can only be used for bank to bank money transfer.
Things to keep in mind before using WhatsApp UPI feature on your phone
* The foremost factor that the sender should keep in mind is that user’s WhatsApp number should be the same as the number linked to the bank account along with UPI option activated.
* Before using the payments feature the sender and the receiver must ensure both their phones have the latest WhatsApp version.
Here is how you can use the app
For Android users the payments option is already available. However, iOS users will eventually get the feature in the upcoming days. Users can head on to settings and select the payments option, or users can also directly go to the chatbox of the contact they wish to transfer money and select the payments option. Users can verify their UPI option activated phone number via SMS, or simply create a UPI account with a pin via WhatsApp.
The advantage of the WhatsApp payments feature is the ease of tracking the payment via the payment history option. WhatsApp also notifies the sender and the receiver about the money transfer. This peer to peer payment service would be available for every user soon. This application makes it easier for businesses to connect with customers and vice versa. The major purpose of this feature is to ensure the widespread usability of WhatsApp.