WhatsApp Rumored to Add International Payments to Its WhatsApp Pay Feature

WhatsApp may soon be introducing international payments through its in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service, according to a recent leak. This potential addition to WhatsApp Pay could open up new possibilities for users looking to make transactions beyond borders.

Potential Boost to User Base

The introduction of international payments on WhatsApp Pay could potentially attract a wider user base to the platform’s financial services. With the competition in the payments sector already fierce, this move could help WhatsApp stay relevant and competitive in the market.

Screenshots shared by tipster @AssembleDebug reveal a new option labeled “International Payments” in the Payments menu. Upon clicking this option, users are directed to a separate screen where they can set the start and end dates for the feature and activate it by entering their UPI PIN.

Service Limitations and Comparisons

Users with Indian bank accounts will be able to use the international payments feature to send money to select international merchants. However, the service will only be available in countries where banks have enabled international UPI services. Additionally, the feature is reported to expire after three months, requiring users to manually reactivate it. This contrasts with Google Pay’s seven-day transaction period and may impact user experience on the platform.

While WhatsApp’s potential move to add international payments is an interesting development, it’s worth noting that other major players in the UPI space, such as Google Pay and PhonePe, already offer similar services. WhatsApp will need to ensure that its offering is competitive and user-friendly to stand out in the crowded market.

Overall, the rumored addition of international payments to WhatsApp Pay is an intriguing development that could potentially expand the platform’s utility for users. However, with competition intensifying in the payments sector, WhatsApp will need to carefully consider the user experience and service limitations to ensure the success of this new feature.