WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new bill payment feature that will enable users to pay for utilities, rent, and mobile recharges directly within the app. According to a report from Android Authority, this feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.3.15, suggesting an upcoming rollout.
Currently, WhatsApp Pay allows users to transfer money to their contacts, but this update would expand its functionality to include various bill payments. Users may soon be able to pay electricity bills, prepaid mobile recharges, LPG gas payments, water bills, landline postpaid bills, and even rent through the messaging platform.
Meta Expanding WhatsApp Pay Services
This development follows the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) lifting the user limit on WhatsApp Pay. Previously, WhatsApp could only onboard users in phases, restricting its reach. Now, with the potential to serve 532 million users in India, WhatsApp Pay is set to challenge leading UPI platforms like PhonePe and Google Pay.
If launched, the bill payment feature could create a new revenue stream for Meta. However, details about how it will function, including transaction fees or commissions, remain unclear.
Regulatory Hurdles and Expected Challenges
Despite the promising new feature, Meta may still face regulatory approvals before rolling it out to all users. The Indian digital payments market is tightly regulated, and WhatsApp has faced past hurdles in expanding its financial services.
It remains to be seen how WhatsApp will implement this feature while complying with Indian payment regulations. While no official release date has been announced, more details are expected in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
With this feature, WhatsApp aims to provide users with an all-in-one platform for messaging and financial transactions. If successfully implemented, it could disrupt the Indian payments market and challenge established UPI leaders. Until further announcements, users will have to wait for more information on when the feature will be officially launched.
