WhatsApp Pay beta-rolls out Request Money feature on Android
What's the story
WhatsApp recently beta-launched its UPI-based digital payments feature WhatsApp Pay in India that allows users to send and receive money through the chat app. In a new update to the feature, users can now not only make payments but also request money on WhatsApp. The update has rolled out to WhatsApp beta for Android v2.18.113 and is live for a limited number of users.
Details
Request Money only works with UPI ID or QR code
The Request Money feature can only be availed using the UPI ID or QR code and doesn't work on directly selecting a contact. Go to Settings > Payments > New Payment > enter the UPI address or scan the QR code. You will now see two options in the pop-up instead of just one: "Request Money" and "Pay Money".
Information
Request for making payments expire in 24 hours
By tapping on Request Money, you can enter the amount you want to receive and send the request. Depending on whether the request is accepted or declined, the transaction status gets updated in the Payments menu under Settings. All requests expire in 24 hours.
UPI-Centric
Receive requests even if you don't have WhatsApp Pay
Interestingly, recipients who don't have WhatsApp Pay enabled will also receive the request as long as they are signed up for a UPI-based payments method. They can receive a request to make payment in the form of an SMS from either their bank or another UPI-based payment app like PhonePe. Google Tez users will directly get an in-app notification.
Information
WhatsApp's other recently unveiled new features
WhatsApp now lets users download deleted media from its servers. And under the new vCard indexing feature, if an unknown user sends you a message and you have already received his contact card (vCard) from someone else, you will be alerted to save the vCard.