Meta-owned instant messaging application WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that would allow Indian users to make international payments directly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) within the app. This feature, dubbed “International Payments,” is currently in development and not yet available to the public.
The news was first spotted by a tipster who goes by @AssembleDebug on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “International Payments on WhatsApp through UPI for Indian users. This is currently not available for users. But WhatsApp might be working on it,” the post by the tipster read.
International Payments on WhatsApp through UPI for Indian users.
This is currently not available for users. But WhatsApp might be working on it as I couldn’t find anything on Google about it.
Apps like Phonepe, GPay and some others already support this. #Whatsapp pic.twitter.com/OE2COo89eZ
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) March 25, 2024
Reportedly, users with Indian bank accounts linked to UPI would be able to send money to international merchants in countries where banks support international UPI services. The feature would require manual activation and users might be able to choose a duration for which it remains active, with a possible maximum of three months – exceeding the limited window offered by competitors like Google Pay.
This integration could simplify international transactions for Indian users on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for intermediaries or complex banking processes. Still, the details about a wider rollout are scarce and yet to be confirmed.
While WhatsApp is testing UPI integration for international payments, it’s important to note that several established platforms, like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc., already offer UPI services in India. Last month, PhonePe expanded its UPI service to international merchants in Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal who have the local QR code. The company, in collaboration with NPCI International Payments, said to further expand ‘UPI International’ in more countries soon.
UPI is a massively popular digital payment system in India that facilitates instant money transfers between bank accounts. It has revolutionized domestic transactions within the country, offering a convenient and secure way to send and receive money using just a mobile phone.
