WhatsApp Payment: How to Send Money Through WhatsApp.
I never thought that sending and receiving money would be as easy as texting. I mean, look how far we’ve come. WhatsApp is still working on implementing a brand new UPI-based payment system, and I was delighted to see it on my iPhone this morning. In fact, I have checked my phone every few hours for the past 2 days while waiting for a test drive. I was thrilled.
Note. WhatsApp Payments is a server side deployment meaning it will appear on all devices in a few days. But don’t worry, at the end of this post I’ll also show you how you can receive payments via WhatsApp even if you haven’t received the update.
Also Read: 14 Android Apps for Power WhatsApp Users
WhatsApp push
India is one of the first countries to receive this feature, while the rest of the world is still waiting to see the opportunity. Notably, I didn’t have to update the app or do anything else. The changes were made on the server side. So you have to check it manually.
Since my Android hasn’t received this update yet, I will be using my iPhone, however the process will remain the same.
Let’s start:
Step 1. Launch WhatsApp and open a chat with the person to whom you want to send money. There is a standard mounting button. When you click on it, you should see a new option called Payment with the INR currency symbol next to it.
When you click on it, you will see legal, boring content in which WhatsApp will ask you to read and accept the terms and privacy policy. Click “Accept and Continue”.
You will now be prompted to verify your WhatsApp mobile number. If you are an iPhone user, you will have to submit the code manually. Click Verify via SMS and the messaging app will open. If you are an Android user, you will receive an OTP that will be automatically detected. You don’t need to exit the app.
Note 1. SMS charges will apply, depending on your carrier.
Note 2: I have already created my UPI account, but if you haven’t, you will see another screen where WhatsApp will ask you to create a UPI account and PIN.
Once verified, you must select your bank account on the next screen. Choose any.
If your WhatsApp number is also added to the bank you selected, you should automatically see your name and your bank account number on the next screen.
Note 3: Your WhatsApp number must also be linked to your bank account. Otherwise it might not work.
You will now be prompted to verify your bank account by entering your debit card number. Do this and you are ready to go.
To test this feature, I decided to send a small payment to a friend. How small and why? I wanted to check a few things, for example:
- What is the minimum amount I can send via UPI?
- Is there a transaction fee?
- How long does it take to take to reflect the payment in my bank account?
- Can I use WhatsApp’s UPI feature for small payments to roadside vendors such as trucks?
PM Modi is committed to a cashless economy, which means that no matter the location, amount or person, you should be able to make a payment via UPI. Let’s see how it goes.
Note 4. Both the sender and the receiver must have UPI enabled and activated to initiate a transaction. Otherwise, you will receive this message.
Now that everything is set up, I will send a test payment of INR 10 to see how it goes. A smaller number was chosen to see if this practical solution can be used anywhere, anywhere, no matter how inexpensive the item you buy.
Click on the payment method again. You should see the recipient’s name and your bank account details partially hidden. Enter an individually marked amount here.
You will be prompted to enter the UPI PIN that you created in the previous steps. Click Submit.
Just like you send a text message, you will now send money by pressing the paper airplane button. You will see a message with the amount.
How do I get paid via WhatsApp?
At the moment WhatsApp Payments works by invitation, but there is a way to get it. All you need is a friend who already has WhatsApp payments enabled and can activate it for others by selecting the appropriate option in the chat window. Just ask them to try and send you money using WhatsApp Payment (they don’t even need to transfer money). After that, your friend will see a popup with a message that you need to set up WhatsApp Payments.
Now if you go to WhatsApp settings, you will see the payment option just below the notification. Just click on it, accept the terms and go.
Missing features
I would like them to add the ability to make payments via a QR code. Why? You cannot send messages or payments on WhatsApp without saving phone contacts. I’m sure a lot of people won’t like sharing their numbers with strangers.
WhatsApp money transfers are not cross-platform, which means you cannot send money to other e-wallets or apps. You cannot use it for shopping.
Currently, WhatsApp payment function only works on mobile devices. You cannot make payments via WhatsApp Web.
You cannot send money to all group members at once. You will have to send them individually.
Note 5: I sent a message to WhatsApp Payment support from the app asking if there is a way to send and receive money using QR codes. This is because not everyone will be comfortable and willing to share their number with unknown people.
WhatsApp replied with the following email:
Unfortunately, this is currently not supported. We are constantly working to improve our application and will take into account your suggestion.
I hope that in the future, WhatsApp Payment will work more like the popular BHIM app.
Conclusion: Pay via WhatsApp via UPI
The money was transferred almost instantly, just like your messages are delivered with one gray click, then double click for delivery, and double blue checkmark to read.
You can add new bank accounts and check the history of recent transactions by going to Settings – Payments.
UPI works flawlessly on WhatsApp. It’s fast, secure, and easy to set up and use. Since it is instantaneous and accepts small amounts, you can use it for almost anything.