WhatsApp Pay: how to collect payment from customers instantly

WhatsApp Pay is an innovative payment service that is seamlessly integrated into the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. It's a game-changer for businesses as it allows them to easily collect payments right within chat conversations, making transactions more convenient than ever before.

With a massive user base of 2.2 billion active users across 100 countries, WhatsApp Pay has become a major player in the digital payment world. This widespread adoption means that businesses have a fantastic opportunity to leverage this feature and improve their payment processes, ultimately enhancing the experience for their customers.

What is WhatsApp Pay? Can you pay through WhatsApp?

Image from WhatsApp Blog

WhatsApp Pay is a convenient payment service integrated into the WhatsApp messaging app that enables businesses to accept payments from customers without having to navigate through external websites or separate payment gateways. Instead, transactions can be initiated and completed directly within the chat window, making the payment process seamless and efficient.

For instance, when a customer wants to make a payment with WhatsApp, the business can generate a payment request or send a payment link within the chat. The customer can then simply follow the instructions, select their preferred payment method, and complete the transaction without ever leaving the chat interface.

This simplicity and convenience make WhatsApp Pay a game-changer for businesses, as it reduces friction in the payment process and saves customers valuable time. Additionally, the integration of WhatsApp Pay within the messaging app ensures a seamless flow of communication between businesses and customers, allowing for efficient transactional interactions.

Where is WhatsApp Pay available

WhatsApp Pay is currently available in selected countries, primarily in India and Brazil. These countries have been at the forefront of WhatsApp Pay's initial rollout, allowing businesses and individuals to make payments directly within the app.

In addition to India and Brazil, WhatsApp Pay is also available in Singapore. However, it's important to note that in Singapore, WhatsApp Pay is limited to making payments to businesses only. Peer-to-peer transactions are not yet available in Singapore through WhatsApp Pay.

Have a business in Malaysia but WhatsApp Pay is not available? Find out other payment alternatives for your business in Malaysia.

How WhatsApp Pay works 

To utilize WhatsApp Pay, businesses and customers must first have a WhatsApp account linked to their mobile phone number. Below is the flow of how WhatsApp Pay works:

• Businesses using WhatsApp Pay can generate a payment request or send a payment link to their customers through the chat conversation.

• The customer receives the payment request or link within the WhatsApp chat.

• Customer selects preferred payment method such as bank transfers, credit or debit cards, or mobile wallets.

• The customer follows the prompts provided by WhatsApp Pay to complete the payment. The process is secure and takes place within the WhatsApp platform.

• Once the payment is successfully completed, the business receives a notification, and the details of the transaction are recorded within the chat conversation.

How to set up WhatsApp Payment

Here’s how you can set up WhatsApp Payment:

1. Open the menu by tapping on the three vertical dots.

2. Choose "Settings," then go to "Payments" and select "Add payment method."

3. Accept WhatsApp's Terms of Service and Agreement by clicking on "Accept and Continue."

4. From the provided list, select your bank.

5. Grant permission by tapping on "Verify via SMS" and then selecting "Allow."

6. Choose the bank account you wish to add to your WhatsApp Business account.

7. Finally, tap on "Done" to complete the process.

If you don't have access to WhatsApp Pay yet, it may be due to its limited availability. Stay updated with the latest news and official announcements to know when WhatsApp Pay becomes accessible in your region.

How to pay using WhatsApp

For customers, making payments with WhatsApp is a straightforward process. 

• Launch WhatsApp.

• Open the chat with the recipient you wish to pay.

• Click on the attachment icon located to the right of the text box.

• Choose the "Payment" option from the available menu.

• Enter the desired amount you want to transfer. You can also include a note if needed.

• Tap on the "Pay" button and input your security pin or verification method.

Heard of Meta Pay or Facebook Pay? Find out how to utilize it for business and streamline your business’s payment process.

How to get WhatsApp Payment

To receive WhatsApp payments, follow these simple steps:

• Activate WhatsApp Pay: Make sure you have WhatsApp Pay activated on your device by following the setup instructions.

• Let contacts know: Inform your contacts that you accept payments through WhatsApp. You can do this through a status update, direct message, or by telling them in person.

• Share payment details: Provide your payment details to the person who wants to send you money. This can include your phone number, UPI ID, or any other payment identifier linked to your WhatsApp Pay account.

• Ask for payment: Request the person to open a chat with you on WhatsApp and initiate the payment following the steps from how to pay with WhatsApp.

• Receive the payment: Once the payment is initiated and processed successfully, you'll receive a notification in the chat confirming the received payment. The payment amount will be credited to your linked bank account or payment wallet.

WhatsApp Pay alternatives for businesses

While WhatsApp Pay offers a robust and convenient payment solution for businesses, it is limited to certain countries. Hence, consider these alternative options that are worth exploring depending on specific requirements and resources.

Option 1: Use WhatsApp Pay API

For businesses with coding knowledge and developer resources, integrating WhatsApp Pay API can provide a more tailored and customized payment solution. The WhatsApp Pay API allows businesses to build their own payment flow, providing greater control and flexibility. 

By leveraging the WhatsApp Pay API, businesses can design a payment experience that aligns with their specific requirements and branding. They can create a seamless and cohesive payment flow that integrates seamlessly within the chat interface, making it convenient for customers to complete transactions without leaving the conversation.

With the WhatsApp Pay API, businesses can implement features such as personalized payment notifications, real-time transaction updates, and customized payment options. This level of customization enables businesses to enhance the user experience and build trust with their customers.

Learn more about WhatsApp Business API and how to integrate your WhatsApp business account with SleekFlow.

Option 2: Find a third-party platform

SleekFlow is a great example of a third-party platform that offers WhatsApp payment solutions, including in-chat payment links and omnichannel payment solutions. Here are some of the best features that you can experience with SleekFlow’s payment links:

• Generate payment links that can be shared with customers through WhatsApp chats.

• Direct customers to a secure payment page where they can conveniently complete their transactions.

• Customize payment links with order details, pricing, and special instructions to provide a personalized payment experience.

• Provide a consistent payment experience across various messaging platforms such as Facebook Messenger, WeChat, or LINE, which allows customers more flexibility in choosing their preferred messaging app for payments.

Third-party platforms can be an excellent choice for businesses seeking a ready-to-use payment interface:

• requires minimal setup and technical expertise. These platforms 

• offer comprehensive payment solutions that can be easily integrated with WhatsApp and other messaging apps

• easy to set up, saving time and effort in building a payment system from scratch

• offer user-friendly interfaces and documentation

Want to outcompete your peers with SleekFlow's help?

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