WhatsApp is reportedly testing UPI-based payments to boost digital payments in India and combat Paytm and Hike.
As reported by Business Today, the person-to-person payment feature will be available for both Android and iOS.
To access it, users will need to get their mobile number linked with their bank account and authorised for mobile banking. They will then need to make sure to get the latest WhatsApp version ask a friend who is active on WhatsApp payments to try sending them money. It will lead to a payment link creation (below notifications in Settings tab).
Users are required to then click on payments, verify their mobile number and select their bank to complete the set up. They can then authorize transaction with the pin to complete the payment.
WhatsApp is further planning to roll out a group video calling feature and sticker packs on its app like Hike.
According to a Google-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study, the Indian digital payments industry will grow to $500bn by 2020, contributing to 15% of GDP.