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WhatsApp expansion of in-app payment features

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-03 09:22 UTC → 2026-09-04 23:33 UTC · added removed

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 integrated with powered by the Bharat Connect network. This service allows users to manage and pay approximately 22,722 billers across 30 categories, such as including electricity, gas, water, insurance, and piped gas, FASTag recharges, insurance premiums, credit cards. The feature, accessible card bills, and loan repayments. Accessible via a rupee (₹) icon, the feature supports UPI, debit, payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), debit cards, and credit card payments. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-04 23:33 UTC WhatsApp expansion of in-app payment features
  2. 2026-09-03 09:22 UTC WhatsApp expansion of in-app payment features
  3. 2026-08-27 07:38 UTC WhatsApp expansion of in-app payment features

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