Messaging app WhatsApp on Friday rolled out its UPI payment services in India. WhatsApp Pay is an in-chat payment feature that allows its users to send and receive money. The feature was initially launched in India in 2018 but it got stuck in Beta mode in the absence of regulatory approvals by the authorities.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) granted its approval to WhatsApp to expand in a graded manner with 20 million users initially.
“Starting today, people across India will be able to send money through WhatsApp. This secure payment experience makes transferring money just as easy as sending a message,” WhatsApp said in a tweet.
Starting today, people across India will be able to send money through WhatsApp ???? This secure payments experience makes transferring money just as easy as sending a message. pic.twitter.com/bM1hMEB7sb
— WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) November 6, 2020
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “India has opened a world of opportunities for micro and small businesses by creating the UPI.” He also thanked all the people who made WhatsApp Pay possible in India.