With the recent regulatory shift by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), WhatsApp Pay is now available to all users across the nation. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment ecosystem.
Initially restricted to a capped user base of 100 million, this feature can now extend its seamless payment experience to WhatsApp’s massive user base of over 500 million individuals in India.
What’s New with WhatsApp Pay?
The NPCI’s removal of the unified payments interface (UPI) user onboarding limit opens up new avenues for the Meta-owned messaging platform. WhatsApp Pay, integrated directly within the app, offers a secure and efficient way to send and receive money digitally—no additional apps required.
Much like other UPI-enabled platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, WhatsApp Pay allows users to:
- Transfer money to contacts with a few simple taps.
- Request payments seamlessly within the chat interface.
- Benefit from the security and reliability of UPI guidelines.
This expansion also aligns with the NPCI’s deferred policy of capping a single app’s UPI transaction share to 30%—a rule now extended to December 31, 2026.
Steps to Use WhatsApp Pay
For those new to the feature, setting up and using WhatsApp Pay is straightforward:
- Open WhatsApp and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select Payments and click on Add Payment Method.
- Agree to the terms by tapping the Accept button.
- Link your UPI-enabled bank account.
- To send money, open a chat, tap the ₹ symbol in the bottom-right corner, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction using your UPI PIN.
The confirmation arrives via SMS from your registered bank, ensuring transparency and security in every transaction.
A Step Towards Digital Inclusivity
WhatsApp’s widespread reach in India underscores the transformative potential of this update. By leveraging its massive user base, WhatsApp Pay can now contribute to fostering financial inclusivity. With the NPCI’s proactive regulatory moves, the platform is well-poised to compete with established players, driving innovation in India’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
Looking ahead, businesses, individuals, and even small merchants can seamlessly integrate WhatsApp Pay into their daily transactions, benefiting from the convenience and reliability of UPI. With these changes, WhatsApp Pay is set to become a central player in the payment space.
