WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has introduced a range of services aimed at improving the user chat experience.
In collaboration with Razorpay and PayU, WhatsApp now enables users to make payments using credit/debit cards, UPI, and other methods.
This update simplifies shopping within chats, allowing users in India to add items to their cart and complete payments through various UPI apps, debit cards, and credit cards.
Introducing WhatsApp Flow Service
WhatsApp has also rolled out the Flow service, offering users the convenience of selecting train seats, ordering food,
and booking appointments—all while staying within the chat window. This feature is set to launch in the coming weeks.
Additionally, WhatsApp has initiated the Meta Verified program for various businesses on its platform.
Meta’s Announcement
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, announced that it will enable UPI money transfers within WhatsApp in India.
The company plans to introduce new in-app options for credit and debit card payments.
A Meta spokesperson clarified that there will be user limits on WhatsApp in India, but no such restrictions will apply to business transactions on WhatsApp using alternative methods.
UPI Usage in India
In India, over 300 million people conduct daily transactions totaling $1.8 billion through UPI.
WhatsApp aims to tap into this vast user base. So far, WhatsApp’s end-to-end shopping experience in India has been limited to pilot programs in select cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, partnering with online grocery service JioMart.
Expansion of Meta Verification Program
In addition to these updates, Meta is expanding its Meta Verification Membership Program globally.
This initiative helps companies verify and enhance their content within users’ feeds.
Monthly membership options will soon be available on Instagram and Facebook in select countries, with plans to extend the program to WhatsApp in the future.
