WhatsApp payments service rolled out for all - Check features and how to use

WhatsApp payments service was launched in November 2020 in India. It was rolled out for more users in June 2021. Now, the payments service has been made available on the WhatsApp mobile app for all users in India.

Users will see the payment notification above the list of chats in the mobile app. Users will also see WhatsApp payments service when going in the list of options that open when one clicks on More (3 dots) in top right corner of the app.

Features of WhatsApp payments service

• WhatsApp payments is a UPI based service subject to a separate WhatsApp India Payments Privacy Policy.
• WhatsApp commits that the UPI enabled payments are completely secure and in full compliance with India’s data localisation guidelines.
• It adds that the WhatsApp UP transaction data is encrypted and resides only in India, in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
• Facebook does not have access to the payments data in “clear format,” as per WhatsApp payments FAQs
• WhatsApp India performs active monitoring of necessary compliance and “may share UPI transaction data for identified exceptions with affiliates and regulators subject to regulatory approvals to stop illegal use of WhatsApp payments in compliance with applicable laws and regulation.”
• For the payments service, WhatsApp doesn’t capture or store a user’s UPI PIN, which is in compliance with NPCI-issued UPI guidelines. It also doesn’t store “customer payment sensitive information like one-time password (OTP), full account number or any debit card details.”

How to activate and use WhatsApp payments?

To activate WhatsApp payments service on your phone, go to the notification that is popping up on the mobile app. Alternatively you can reach payments via the More option (3 dots). Users will need to verify their details of active account with an Indian bank that supports UPI. The primary mobile number to link to the account should match the WhatsApp mobile number for registration.

Users can send or receive money once they have added their bank accounts to WhatsApp. Users will have to accept the Payments Terms and Privacy Policy. You will have to grant permission to verify via SMS. Only banks supported by WhatsApp UPI will be listed. Select your bank to add from the list of bank accounts given.

To receive money when account is not added to WhatsApp:

• Tap on Accept Payment.
• On the Payments Terms and Policy page, tap Accept and Continue.
• Tap Verify via SMS
• The service will list down all the bank accounts linked to your WhatsApp mobile number. Select the account to add.
• Tap Done

To send money, users will need to verify last 6 digits of debit card along with the expiration date:

• Open the chat with which the transaction is to be done.
• Tap on Attack and select Payment.
• Verify last 6 of your debit card number and expiration date. Then select Set Up UPI Pin.
• Enter the one-time password (OTP) if it is not pre-filled.
• Create and enter your UPI PIN. Tap SETUP UPI PIN and submit.
• After the UPI setup, tap done and now you are ready to pay via the attach option in individual chats.
• Users might be asked for UPI PIN before they can send money via WhatsApp. Money can only be sent to accounts that have payments service enabled.