WhatsApp working on new feature to allow online payments

Users will soon be able to make payments using the popular messaging app

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp may be working on a new feature that would allow users to make person-to-person payments directly from the app.

According to a report from The Ken, the Facebook-owned messaging service is hiring a head of digital transactions specialising in UPI in India which will enable it to work on a feature that allows money transfer between any two bank accounts using a smartphone.



The report comes after WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton's recent India visit. Acton met government officials to discuss ways on how the messaging service could contribute to the country’s vision of digital commerce.

The news also falls in line with earlier reports which claimed WhatsApp developers are testing a system that would let businesses talk directly to WhatsApp users.



The business feature is targeted towards users in developing markets such as India, Brazil, and Pakistan where a high number of mobile users have access to the messaging app even in remote places.

In response to our queries, an official WhatsApp spokesperson said, “We’re exploring how we might work with companies that share the vision of a digital India and continuing to listen closely to feedback from our users.”