HOW TO USE WHATSAPP PAYMENTS TO SEND MONEY TO YOUR CONTACTS: 10 STEPS TO FOLLOW

WhatsApp Payments has slowly started rolling out to users in India though a broader rollout is still awaited. The initial rollout has seen massive response from WhatsApp users so far as it doesn't require too many steps or any digital wallet. With over 200 million monthly active users, WhatsApp bringing payments feature first to India makes sense for the large user base in the country. The feature is currently in testing and is available to both Android and iOS users.

WhatsApp Payments feature integrates Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and this means that it will take on popular digital wallet apps like Paytm, Google Tez, PhonePe, MobiKwik and others. WhatsApp Payments, however, won't include merchant payments.

WhatsApp Payments launch in India doesn't come as a surprise as the company was making partnerships to enable the UPI-enabled payments on its platform.

The payments rollout has already seen mixed reactions in the country where rivals are complaining about WhatsApp flouting NPCI policy with custom UPI integration. While the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has confirmed that WhatsApp received the nod to conduct a test with select users.

If you've already received the feature then follow the below steps to get started:

1. For sending money to your contacts through UPI-enabled WhatsApp Payments, you will have to first add your bank account to your Payments option.

2. You can add your bank account by going to Settings > Payments > Bank Accounts.

3. Add new account and then, tap on 'Accept and Continue' after going through the terms and conditions.

For successfully sending money, you will have to make sure that your WhatsApp number and your mobile number linked to your bank account are same.

4. Once your mobile number has been verified via SMS then select the bank account you want to add for UPI-enabled payment.

You can choose from the list of over 70 Indian banks including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Yes Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, Allahabad Bank, Andhra Bank, Bank of Baroda, and more.

5. To complete the bank account addition, you will have to manually enter last six digits from your debit card as well as expiry date and month.

6. You will also have to set a four-digit UPI pin which you will have to manually enter every time to complete the transaction.

7. After successfully adding bank account, you can proceed with making your first payment on WhatsApp.

8. To send money, open the chat window of the person to whom you want to initiate payment, and tap on attachment icon at the bottom panel.

You have to note that the receiver will have to also activate the WhatsApp Payment feature in order to receive money on the messaging platform.

- Source - Times Now Digital