WhatsApp tests beta version for UPI-enabled payment option: Reports

WhatsApp will soon mature from a messaging-only app to messaging-cum-fintech platform with the UPI integration feature.

According to WhatsApp blog, WhatsApp beta version 2.17.295 currently includes a preview for the UPI payments feature. However, the feature is “hidden and under development,” so even if you have the beta version of WhatsApp you might not see the feature just yet.

Users have to tap on agree and continue at the bottom of the page to accept the platform's Payments Terms and Privacy Policy as well as the Bank’s Terms and Privacy Policy.

Earlier, PTI had reported that WhatsApp will likely get UPI integration before Facebook Messenger.

PTI had quoted National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)’s MD & CEO AP Hota, “As far as Whatsapp is concerned, discussions have commenced… For Facebook, discussions are in preliminary stage.”

However, the final approval will have to come from RBI. According to his statement, Google will probably be the first add UPI payments in India, given the talks are complete and the company is now waiting for RBI approval.

Earlier, Brian Acton, Cofounder at WhatsApp, on his India visit had said that the messaging app giant will focus on rolling out commercial messaging this year for businesses as it looks to tap into enterprises for monetising its platform.

While the messaging company does not intend to introduce any third-party ads for monetisation, it has said that it will test tools that allow users to communicate with businesses and organisations like banks and airlines through its platform.

In June, Hike Messenger had included the linkage to UPI allowing free and instant bank-to-bank money transfer, even if the recipient does not use the Hike app. Besides, the messaging platform also introduced payment wallet on its app.

According to media reports, India's leading digital payments firm Paytm is planning to launch a messaging service to rival Facebook Inc's WhatsApp by the end of this month.