You could soon be able to send money through WhatsApp - here’s how

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with around 1.6 billion people using the platform on a monthly basis.

As the app continues to roll out new tools and updates, the next step for WhatsApp could be allowing users to send and receive money - with this feature already live in one location.

This is what you need to know.

Sending payments

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Currently, the feature, called WhatsApp Payments, is live in India.

The feature was launched on Friday 6 November for WhatsApp users.

WhatsApp said: “This secure payments experience makes transferring money just as easy as sending a message.

People can safely send money to a family member or share the cost of goods from a distance without having to exchange cash in person or going to a local bank.”

How does it work?

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WhatsApp designed the payment system in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI).

In order to send a payment, WhatsApp users in India must have a bank account and a debit card in India.

WhatsApp sends instructions between the banks, which initiates the transfer of money via UPI between the sender and receiver bank accounts.

Users will also have a personal UPI PIN for each payment as well.

The feature is available on both Android and iOS devices.

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“In the long run, we believe the combination of WhatsApp and UPI’s unique architecture can help local organisations address some of the key challenges of our time, including increasing rural participation in the digital economy and delivering financial services to those who have never had access before,” WhatsApp said.

When will it be available in the UK?

Unfortunately, WhatsApp hasn’t revealed when the feature might be rolled out elsewhere.

The app has been rolling out lots of new features recently, such as self-destructing messages and a new tool for creating storage space on your phone.

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