WhatsApp is reportedly exploring the integration of international payments through its in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service
The platform initially introduced WhatsApp Payments, or WhatsApp Pay, for Indian users in November 2020, marking its foray into the realm of digital payments. While its entry into the payments sector was perceived as belated due to the presence of established rivals, WhatsApp is now rumored to be considering the addition of international payments, with a proposed maximum duration of three months, to expand the user base of its financial service.
The leak regarding this feature was shared by tipster @AssembleDebug on X (formerly Twitter), who posted, "International Payments on WhatsApp through UPI for Indian users. This is currently not available for users. But WhatsApp might be working on it as I couldn't find anything on Google about it."
Alongside this statement, the tipster provided screenshots of the feature, although they did not specify the beta version in which it appeared.
The screenshot reveals a new option within the Payments menu labeled "International payments," situated beneath the "Forgot UPI PIN" option.
Upon selection, users are directed to a separate screen where they can set the start and end dates for the feature and toggle it on. According to the screenshot, users are prompted to enter their UPI PIN to activate the feature.
International payments via UPI enable users with Indian bank accounts to transfer funds to specified international merchants and complete transactions.
However, this functionality is contingent upon the availability of international UPI services provided by banks in the recipient countries.
Notably, in India, international payment via UPI typically expires after a certain period and must be manually reactivated. According to the tipster, WhatsApp may offer a three-month transaction period for this feature, in contrast to Google Pay's seven-day window. Google Pay, PhonePe, and other major players in the UPI ecosystem already offer international payment services.