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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

3 clusters · 26 sources · 10 days · First seen 19 days ago · Last updated 9 days ago

WhatsApp expansion of in-app payment features

Overview

WhatsApp is expanding its financial services, moving beyond peer-to-peer transfers toward more complex utility features. Recent analysis of the iOS beta version 26.33.10.70 confirms the development of an instant payment system designed to compete with services like Spain’s Bizum. This system includes a redesigned menu for managing credit and debit cards, billing information, and shipping addresses, potentially enabling registered businesses to receive payments directly through chats.

In India, the platform has officially launched an integrated in-app bill payment feature powered by the Bharat Connect network. This service allows users to manage and pay approximately 22,722 billers across 30 categories, including electricity, water, piped gas, FASTag recharges, insurance premiums, credit card bills, and loan repayments. Accessible via a rupee (₹) icon, the feature supports payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), debit cards, and credit cards.

Users can manage multiple accounts under a single service provider and view both past and upcoming bills. Arun Srinivas, Managing Director and Country Head of Meta India, stated that the objective is to make bill payments “as effortless as sending a message.” This rollout follows a massive surge in WhatsApp Pay transaction volumes in India, which reportedly grew from 37 million in June 2024 to 150 million by June 2026.

While these advancements focus on utility and instant transfers, the broader global expansion into markets like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands remains contingent on securing local regulatory licenses and establishing partnerships with regional financial entities.

Entities

WhatsApp · Meta · WABetaInfo · Bizum · India

Timeline

9 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 15 sources
WhatsApp launches in-app bill payments in India
WhatsApp has launched an in-app bill payment feature in India via the Bharat Connect network, covering 30 categories including electricity, gas, and FASTag for Android and iOS users.
17 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
WhatsApp develops instant payment system to compete with Bizum
WhatsApp is testing an instant payment feature in its iOS beta, aiming to enable peer-to-peer and business transfers within chats, potentially challenging services like Bizum in Europe.
19 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
WhatsApp develops new in-app payment features for iOS
WhatsApp is testing a new in-app payments section on iOS, potentially expanding its financial services to countries including Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United States.

Sources

aajtak.com · actualidadecommerce.com · androidayuda.com · assodigitale.it · canaledieci.it · eloutput.com · enavabharat.com · fonearena.com · hipertextual.com · inc42.com · india.com · indtoday.com · khabarfast.com · latestly.com · morungexpress.com · munsifdaily.com · navabharat.com · news9live.com · punto-informatico.it · samacharnama.com · techjuice.pk · telefonino.net · timesbull.com · tuttoandroid.net · tv9hindi.com · xatakamovil.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history