WhatsApp develops instant payment system to compete with Bizum

WhatsApp is developing an instant payment system designed to allow users to send money directly to contacts within chat conversations. Analysis of the WhatsApp iOS beta version (26.33.10.70) by WABetaInfo reveals a redesigned menu for managing credit and debit cards, billing information, and shipping addresses.

This expansion aims to compete with established services like Bizum in Spain and could potentially roll out to other European markets, including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The functionality would allow for peer-to-peer transfers and enable registered businesses to receive payments through chats, a feature already active in Mexico.

WhatsApp currently operates payment systems in several regions by integrating with local infrastructures, such as UPI in India, PIX in Brazil, and a combination of Stripe and PayNow in Singapore. To implement these services in new markets, the platform typically requires regulatory licenses and partnerships with local financial entities.