WhatsApp makes UPI feature more enticing with QR code integration

Facebook-owned instant messenger platform WhatsApp UPI payment is currently under beta testing and soon to be opened for its 250 million userbase. While the general WhatsApp users are still waiting to feel the swift and easy money transfer experience, going a step ahead - WhatsApp has integrated QR code payments option for Android users.

The latest version seems to be launched in compliance with the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) latest mandate, which says UPI apps have to support government-run BharatQR.

The speculation of QR code payment mode integration was started soon after WhatsApp's announcement of in-app UPI payment feature.

According to Telecomtalk.info report, WhatsApp for Android’s latest beta version 2.18.93 has the feature of QR code payment. However, this procedure is applicable only to the users registered on the WhatsApp Beta program.

Earlier, this week, NPCI had announced to make it mandatory for all UPI enabled payments firms to have an in-app facility of Bharat QR codes on their platform. The rule is applicable to the banks as well and it needs to adhere to such guidelines by April 16.

Being an interoperable payments facility, the QR code feature is going to become an easy way of transferring, making payment in comparison to UPI, PoS and other modes of payment for WhatsApp users.

WhatsApp UPI, alleged abuse of regulations, and incumbents

Meanwhile, WhatsApp has been facing criticism of homegrown digital payments players, especially Paytm. The Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led firm has targeted WhatsApp for being given freedom in the country to operate as a payments platform, while incumbent players have to be abided by the stringent rule imposed by NPCI.

Paytm had criticised WhatsApp for not completely following the UPI payment guidelines after it spotted the absence of UPI ID payments and QR code payments on WhatsApp.

Following the controversy, NPCI had clarified that every participating organisation has to follow well defined UPI guidelines and stick to the aim of making the platform interoperable.

Besides, Sharma also lambasted WhatsApp and questioned if it shares all the financial data of Indians via UPI. His recent remarks on WhatsApp came on the back of Facebook's data leak controversy as well as WhatsApp-SEBI case, where the messenger app had denied to share the details with the market watchdog.

WhatsApp UPI and QR code launch may take some more time to be available for the masses but it is expected to give a major dent to the digital payment players and wallet operators with a strong DAUs and analogous experience (We have used WhatsApp UPI, and the experience is magical)