WhatsApp may be prepared to roll out its payment capabilities to more nations as the firm is working on a new Payments section for its iOS app.
The functionality is still in the works and hasn’t yet been deployed to beta testers. WhatsApp has not formally commented on plans to roll out its payments capabilities to more markets.
New Payments Page Under Development
The new Payments area has been found in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.33.10.70 via TestFlight.
The new interface might let users manage payment info directly in WhatsApp. It offers the ability to pay contacts, preserve credit and debit card details, and handle billing and shipping info.
Soon, users will be able to select a contact, specify an amount to pay, and transfer money directly from WhatsApp.
The settings could also enable users to keep card information including expiration dates and CVV details, billing addresses, phone numbers, and shipping addresses.
More Countries Show Up In Settings
The new payment interface apparently contains a country picker that includes a number of countries where WhatsApp Payments is not yet available.
It lists the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Spain and the United States.
But the existence of these nations does not mean WhatsApp has announced payments launch there. It could just mean that the corporation is readying its payment system to serve more international markets.
Payments Available in Some Markets Now
WhatsApp provides payment services in some countries via local payment systems and providers.
In India, the service is built on UPI, whereas in Brazil it’s built on the PIX payment system for peer-to-peer payments. WhatsApp partners with Stripe and PayNow in Singapore
Eligible businesses in Mexico will also be able to take payments directly through WhatsApp chats.
Technical work will be needed, as will collaborations with local financial services or payment providers, to roll out payment services in additional countries and regulatory permission will be required.
New Leadership Catches the Eye
Payments development comes after WhatsApp appointed Kunal Shah as the new head, taking over from Will Cathcart after his seven-year stint.
Shah is the founder of Indian fintech CRED and has experience in payments and financial solutions.
His employment does not guarantee any precise plans for WhatsApp Payments, but his fintech background has piqued curiosity in the future development of financial services at the company.
Expansion Not Confirmed
WhatsApp has not indicated which countries would be next for its financial services, or when such growth might take place.
The new Payments section is currently under construction and may change or be removed before it is released to the public.
For now, the functionality signals that WhatsApp is testing a bigger payment system on iOS. Any move outside would presumably be subject to legislative permits, local partnerships and the technological readiness of the company.
