WhatsApp Testing International UPI Payments for Indian Users

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that could significantly improve the way Indian users handle international transactions. According to a reveal by app researcher AssembleDebug, the messaging platform is developing a system for international UPI payments within the app.

What is UPI and How Will This Work?

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UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is a popular Indian digital payment system. WhatsApp's current UPI integration allows users to send and receive money domestically. This new feature would expand that functionality to include international payments to businesses in specific countries.

Limited Details Revealed:

Screenshots shared by AssembleDebug offer a glimpse of how this feature might work. Users would find a new "International payments" option within their UPI settings. Selecting this option would allow them to activate international payments for a set period, up to three months. Transactions would be limited to authorized businesses in specific countries.
Screenshots shared by AssembleDebug
Screenshots shared by AssembleDebug

Benefits and Current Status:

While existing UPI apps like PhonePe and GPay already offer international payments, WhatsApp's entry into this space could streamline the process for many users who are already comfortable using the platform for communication.

It's important to note that this feature is currently under development. There's no official word from WhatsApp on a release date. The limited screenshots suggest the feature might be in a closed beta testing phase, with availability restricted to a small group of users. We can expect more information on a wider release closer to launch.

(Via)