There has been talk for several years that WhatsApp could integrate a function to send money between individuals. In fact, in 2018, the platform began to test in India a system – called WhatsApp Pay – to carry out instant transactions between two people , but was forced to stop it until, a few months ago, it was activated again .
In June 2020, the tests moved to Brazil , where WhatsApp began testing mobile payments and money transfers in the messaging application itself through Facebook Pay. But the tests were short-lived because, a week later, the country’s Central Bank ordered Visa and Mastercard to suspend that service . Now, WhatsApp has reactivated them there , and this time, it is a gradual launch for all users in Brazil.
Bizum-style payments through chats
WhatsApp itself has confirmed that its payment system reaches the application for users who are in Brazil . Of course, it is a gradual launch, so it is not available to everyone from the first moment, but will gradually spread.
In the statement, WhatsApp highlights that payments between contacts within its app are instantaneous and have no commissions : you send 20 euros and your contact receives those 20 euros, with no extra charge for anyone. He also insists that it is a safe and private service.
When the user registers the debit card or recharges the service, the money is always transferred from one bank to another, respecting the security standards required for banks. In addition, transfers are private between users without anyone else being able to see them; In this sense, Facebook ensures that it is possible to establish a security PIN code to prevent others from making payments or seeing those already made.
WhatsApp also boasts the integration of the payment system directly into its app ; Being one of the most popular in the world, it is much easier for payments to be made successfully and without problems of incompatibilities or commissions.