How to Use WhatsApp Payments Feature?

WhatsApp messenger, your daily instant messaging and call app now comes with a payment feature.

The WhatsApp Payments feature works on UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Introduced by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)UPI allows you to send money directly to the recipient's bank account. There's no need to put money in a digital wallet or use a debit card.

The feature will be available on all Android and iOS phones shortly. Before you start make sure you as well your friend have the latest version of WhatsApp with payments feature installed.

Steps to activate and use the Payments feature on WhatsApp are:

1. Activate Payments Option on WhatsApp

Go to Settings (top right three dotted icon) and select "Payments."

2. Accept terms and conditions

You will now be on a page where you whether or not you accept the terms and conditions of UPI. Select the green icon "Accept and Continue."

3. Verify phone number with bank account

Your WhatsApp number should be linked to your bank account. On selecting "Verify SMS", WhatsApp will verify if your phone number with your bank in the next step.

4. Select your bank

WhatsApp will then display a list of banks that provide the UPI facility. Make sure your bank does. Select your active bank account linked to your WhatsApp number.

5. Select bank account number to link

On selecting your bank and number the app will display your bank account number that is connected to your number. Select the account you wish you link.

6. Send money to your friend via chat

To send money to your friend, make sure he/she has also activated the payments option on WhatsApp and you are sending it to the same number that is linked to their bank account. Select the rupee symbol from the U-pin symbol below next to the space to enter your text message.