WhatsApp Pay: how to collect payment from customers instantly

Complete guide to WhatsApp Pay

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

With a massive user base of more than 3 billion active users across 100 countries, WhatsApp Pay has become a major player in the digital payment world. This widespread adoption means that businesses can leverage this feature to improve their payment processes, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.

What is WhatsApp Pay? Can you pay through WhatsApp?

WhatsApp Pay example in Brazil

Image from WhatsApp Blog

WhatsApp Pay is a convenient payment service integrated into WhatsApp, allowing businesses to accept payments without navigating external websites or separate gateways. Transactions can be initiated and completed directly within the chat window, making the payment process seamless and efficient.

When a customer wants to make a payment, the business can generate a payment request or send a payment link within the chat. The customer follows the instructions, selects their preferred payment method, and completes the transaction without leaving the chat interface. This simplicity and convenience reduce friction in the payment process and save customers valuable time.

How WhatsApp Pay works 

To utilize WhatsApp Pay, businesses and customers must first have a WhatsApp account linked to their mobile phone number. Here's how it 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

Follow these steps to set up WhatsApp Payment:

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

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

  • Accept WhatsApp's Terms of Service.

  • Select your bank from the list.

  • Verify via SMS selecting "Allow".

  • Choose the bank account to add.

  • Tap "Done" to complete the process.

How to pay using WhatsApp

Customers can make payments using WhatsApp by following these steps:

  • Launch WhatsApp.

  • Open the chat with the recipient.

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

  • Choose "Payment".

  • Enter the desired amount and optional note.

  • Tap "Pay" 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 Payments

WhatsApp Pay in India

To receive WhatsApp payments:

  • Activate WhatsApp Pay: Follow the setup instructions.

  • Let contacts know: Let your contacts know you accept payments through WhatsApp.

  • Share payment details: Provide your payment details, including your phone number, UPI ID, or any other payment identifier linked to your WhatsApp Pay account.

  • Ask for payment: Ask the sender to initiate the payment.

  • Receive the payment: Once processed, you'll receive a notification in the chat.

Where is WhatsApp Pay available?

This service is fully available in India and Brazil, and in Singapore it is only available for payments to businesses, with no plans to release it for transactions between individuals.

Is WhatsApp Pay now available in the United States?

At the moment, WhatsApp Pay is not available in the United States or other North American countries.


Despite this, it is possible to make payments on WhatsApp with the help of SleekFlow - read on and find out in the next section!

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.

For businesses seeking to manage invoices, streamline approvals, and ensure secure payments, online invoice approval software with WhatsApp Pay integration is an excellent choice. This software automates invoice workflows, enables secure approvals with digital signatures, and allows transactions to be completed directly within the WhatsApp chat interface.

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

In-chat payment link used by Le Dessert, an online patisserie

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.

in chat payment link

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?

Book your personalized demo with SleekFlow today and unlock the potential of seamless communication

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