WhatsApp Payments is here: How to setup?

Now, it seems that the feature has finally moved out of the beta stage and is being rolled out to general users in India. To facilitate faster digital transactions, WhatsApp has integrated UPI (Unified Payment Interface) with support for multiple banks in India.

To shed more light on WhatsApp’s payment system, the UPI system works on IMPS, which means that the transactions are instant and are facilitated from bank to bank. This is a similar system to what Google has already accomplished with its Tez app. However, the difference here is that you don’t need a separate app and with a user base of over 200 million active users in the country, WhatsApp might just make digital payments more mainstream in India. If you have not yet received the feature on your phone, fret not as we will tell you how to get the same. So stay with us.

1.The first step is slightly obvious as you need to have the latest version of the WhatsApp installed on your smartphone. Once you are done updating the app, tap on the three dots in the top left corner on the main screen and if you have already received the feature, you can see the Payments options on the setting page. If not, ask someone whom you know already has the feature to initiate a transaction to you. WhatsApp will then send you a notification and link to set up your payment account.

2.On the next page, click on accept and continue.

3.The app will then ask you to verify your number. Do bear in mind that WhatsApp will do so by sending an SMS, so make sure you have enough balance for a text message.

4.Once verified, the next page will pop up the list of Partner Banks that are affiliated with WhatsApp payments. If your bank is on the list, simply tap on the name and the app will take you to the next step. However, you will not be able to use the feature if your bank is not on the list. Although, WhatsApp has signed up with major banks in India and it is highly unlikely that your bank will not be on the list.

5.Tap on the bank account displays and it will complete the setup.

6.Once you are done with the setup, simply go to the chat window of any of your contacts and tap on the paper clip icon next to the text box. Along with the usual options, you will now see a new ‘Payment’ option as well. Click on it and you will be asked to enter the amount you wish to send and your UPI PIN to initiate the transaction. The amount will then be sent directly to the bank account of the recipient and will show as normal text in the chat window.