WhatsApp is refining the “Payments” section for iOS, which suggests that the messaging app plans to expand this feature beyond its current markets to new countries. The update will allow users to exchange payments with their contacts within the app and store the relevant information.
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Where it’s available
WhatsApp Payments are currently available in certain regions, where users can pay for goods and services directly in the messaging app. For example, in India, this feature works through UPI, a national payment system linked to bank accounts. In Brazil, WhatsApp supports PIX for transfers between users. In Singapore, the service operates through a partnership with Stripe and the local PayNow system. In Mexico, WhatsApp allows registered businesses to conduct transactions in chats. Before launching the product in these markets, WhatsApp had to obtain approval from regulatory authorities and find a local payment service provider.
How it will work
WhatsApp plans to divide the payment screen into three tabs. At the top of the interface, there will be an option for contacts to make transactions. Using this feature, users can select the desired contact and enter the amount to be sent. Another feature is the ability to save bank cards to the account for quick payment of future purchases.
In the card information form, users must enter the card’s expiration date, CVV code, and address, including the country, full name, street, city, state, and ZIP code. The third section is dedicated to shipping information, where the email address, phone number, and shipping address are stored. There’s also an option to download or delete existing payment information.
Where it will be available
Presumably, the list of countries where payments will be available will include the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Spain and the United States. This does not necessarily mean that the feature will definitely launch in these countries; however, it does suggest that WhatsApp does not want to limit itself to its current markets and intends to expand into new ones. Ultimately, the news indicates that WhatsApp is working to ensure its payment infrastructure is compatible with potential future expansion.
When will it go live?
WhatsApp has not yet officially confirmed its plans to expand payments to new countries. The feature is in the early stages of development, and it is too early to say anything specific. The platform will either decide to move forward with this or abandon the idea altogether. It’s likely that payments will become available in new countries at some point, but it’s unclear when that will happen or which markets will be included. Launching the new feature will require approval from regulatory authorities, a process that typically takes a considerable amount of time, especially for each market.
Conclusion
As you can see, WhatsApp intends to strengthen its global presence by expanding its payment services. Several countries are on the radar for future expansion, but if the platform succeeds in this endeavor, it has enormous potential and many future loyal customers.
Here at GREEN-API, we keep track of all WhatsApp updates to provide you with the latest news and solutions for automating your business processes. Stay tuned to stay up to date on all the latest developments!