Popular Messaging service provider, WhatsApp has integrated UPI based service into its platform. Currently, it is available only to few users but soon it will come out of its beta version and will be available to all.
So if you one of the selected few to get the beta version, you could use it to send money to your contacts through Whatsapp itself.
Here is a complete guide on how to use the WhatsApp UPI service for money transfer.
First, ensure that both you and the recipient have the latest WhatsApp version with the payments feature enabled in them. Note the payment feature is available in WhatsApp beta version number 2.18.41 for Android and 2.18.21 for iOS.
Also, ensure that the WhatsApp number you are using is the same linked with the bank account with UPI option activated. If you haven’t linked your account then it will re-direct you to your Banks App for you can use the BHIM UPI app to link your bank account with UPI. You will see a list of banks in WhatsApp from which you can select your bank. Once you get the UPI number you can use WhatsApp payments. The list of the banks that can be seen in the screenshots include Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, Andhra Bank, and State Bank of India among others.
This new payment option is located in the attachments menu. The camera icon shortcut has been replaced with this new Payment option. You now get Document, Payment, Gallery, Audio, Location, Contact options in the attachments menu.
Once you are done with the above, go to Settings > Payments to start setting up a payment option.
You will get a message: Send and receive money securely with UPI. Accept and continue.
Next, you have to verify your phone number and click next to complete the process.
You then have to select your bank account from the list of about 70 banks. If you already have a UPI account, you have to verify it through SMS, else you will be prompted to create one.
Once done, select the contact to whom you want to send money. Choose the amount and bank to initiate the transfer. Enter the UPI PIN to initiate the transfer. The amount will be deducted from the bank account and it will reach the chosen contact’s account.