A recent leak suggests that WhatsApp may be considering the introduction of international payments through its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service. This move would potentially broaden the scope of WhatsApp Payments, initially launched as an in-app service for Indian users in November 2020. Despite the platform’s delayed entry into the payments sector compared to its rivals, the proposed addition of international payments with a three-month limit aims to expand the user base of its financial service. The leak, shared by tipster @AssembleDebug on social media platform X, hinted at the upcoming feature without specifying the beta version in which it might be included.
According to the leaked screenshots, the new option for international payments is expected to appear in the Payments menu, located below the Forgot UPI PIN option. Tapping on this feature will open a separate screen where users can set the start and end dates for international payments and activate the service by entering their UPI PIN. The functionality will enable users with Indian bank accounts to transfer money to designated international merchants and conduct transactions. However, this feature will only be available in countries where banks have enabled international UPI services, and users will need to manually reactivate the service after it expires, which could potentially be set at a three-month interval in WhatsApp.
It is worth noting that other prominent players in the UPI space, such as Google Pay and PhonePe, already offer international payment services. While Google Pay allows a transaction window of seven days, WhatsApp’s proposed three-month period suggests a different approach to international payments. The potential expansion into international transactions could represent a significant step for WhatsApp Payments, positioning it as a more versatile and globally accessible financial service for users.
The rumored introduction of international payments via WhatsApp’s UPI service marks a strategic move to enhance the platform’s financial capabilities and cater to a wider audience. By embracing this new feature, WhatsApp may strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive digital payments landscape and provide users with a seamless and convenient way to engage in cross-border transactions.
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