WhatsApp’s UPI-based payment feature spotted in latest beta versions

WhatsApp's much-awaited peer-to-peer payment feature is set launch very soon. The feature has been spotted in the newest beta versions for Android and iOS apps, indicating at the imminent launch.

The new WhatsApp beta versions come with a payment option under the attachments option and is based on Universal Payment Interface (UPI), reports GizmoTimes. Note that the feature is still in beta mode, so it could be undergo a few more changes before the final roll-out.

In the beta versions for both iOS and Android, WhatsApp currently shows the payment feature and the list of partner banks. Some of the listed banks include Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICIC Bank, and State Bank of India. Airtel's Payments Bank is also included in the list.

The report further states that as of now WhatsApp isn't allowing users to link their accounts. If you have an account with any of the banks listed you can create a UPI login ID and start using the payment method. WhatsApp was reported to launch its peer-to-peer payment service latest by February. With the beta version already out for select users, it shouldn't be long till the stable roll out happens.

WhatsApp had confirmed working on a payment feature last April. Gradually, there were reports of users 'seeing' the feature on the beta versions of WhatsApp. However, today's sighting is the first proper evidence of the UPI-based payment service on WhatsApp.

In India, there are many apps which have integrated UPI payments method. Some of the popular ones include Truecaller, Hike and Paytm. Google also launched its standalone payment app Tez in India last September.

Although, a little late into the game, WhatsApp with over 200 million users in India itself will surely leverage from its upcoming payment method. Another advantage is of WhatsApp integrating the payment method into the app itself instead of launching it separately like WhatsApp Business.