Rumors suggest that WhatsApp may be in the process of expanding its in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service to include international payments. This move could potentially open up new avenues for the popular messaging platform and increase its user base in the financial services sector. The feature was first introduced for Indian users back in November 2020, but now it seems that WhatsApp is looking to take it a step further by allowing international transactions.
According to a recent leak by tipster @AssembleDebug, WhatsApp is working on enabling international payments through UPI for Indian users. The tipster shared screenshots of the feature, which shows a new option in the Payments menu labeled “International payments.” Users will be able to choose the start and end dates for the feature and activate it by entering their UPI PIN. This new feature could potentially make it easier for users with Indian bank accounts to send money to international merchants.
While the introduction of international payments on WhatsApp could be a game-changer for the platform, there are also some limitations to consider. The feature will only work in countries where banks have enabled international UPI services, which could restrict its utility for some users. Additionally, the rumored three-month transaction period for international payments on WhatsApp is shorter than the seven-day period offered by Google Pay, one of its main competitors in the UPI space.
It’s worth noting that other major players in the UPI sector, such as Google Pay and PhonePe, already offer international payment services. This means that WhatsApp will be entering a competitive market with established players who have already built a user base for such features. However, WhatsApp’s vast user base and popularity could give it an edge in attracting users to its international payments service.
The potential expansion of WhatsApp Payments to include international transactions could be a significant development for the platform. If implemented successfully, this feature could open up new opportunities for users and further solidify WhatsApp’s position in the digital payments space. Only time will tell if WhatsApp will be able to successfully navigate the complexities of international payments and establish itself as a key player in this market.
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