How to use WhatsApp Pay in Singapore 2024

If you own a business on WhatsApp in Singapore and constantly have to guide customers to an external website to make payments, then this article is for you! There’s a solution for your online business with WhatsApp Pay, which is a fast and hassle-free method to receive money from your customers.

WhatsApp Pay was released by Meta to allow consumers to make transactions easily with businesses without leaving the WhatsApp platform. In other words, consumers no longer have to open a separate app or website to make payments as this process can be done safely on WhatsApp. 

For example, when a customer wants to pay using WhatsApp, the business can create a payment request or share a payment link directly in the chat. The customer can then easily follow the provided steps, choose their preferred payment option, and finish the transaction without having to exit the chat interface.

However, Meta has only released the full features in certain countries which are India and Brazil. Singapore was later added to the list but with some limitations.

Since WhatsApp is the most used social media platform at 83.2% in Singapore with over 4.56 million active users, WhatsApp Pay will establish itself in the digital payment landscape. This widespread usage opens up an excellent opportunity for businesses to make the most of this feature, improving their payment processes and ultimately enhancing the experience for their customers.

What is WhatsApp Pay

WhatsApp Pay is a convenient and secure digital payment service integrated into the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. WhatsApp Pay is designed to allow users to make peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions directly from their chat interface. In this context, peer refers to individuals, and the transaction occurs between two parties without involving a traditional financial institution or intermediary. 

The process begins with users setting up WhatsApp Pay by linking their bank accounts to the service. Once set up, users can easily initiate transactions. When sending money, users simply need to select the payment option within a chat, enter the desired amount, and choose the recipient from their list of contacts. The transaction can then be authenticated, often requiring a UPI PIN or similar method to ensure the user's identity and protect against unauthorised access.

The recipient of the funds will receive a notification about the incoming payment and the transaction details are usually displayed within the chat. This provides a clear record of the transaction for both parties involved. 

As mentioned earlier, this WhatsApp payment feature is only available in certain regions and you can only use the WhatsApp payment option in Singapore for transactions with local businesses using the WhatsApp Business platform. 

Own a business in Malaysia? Discover other alternatives for receiving payments from customers.

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What are the WhatsApp payment options available for Singapore consumers

Singaporean users with locally registered WhatsApp numbers have the ability to make payments using various payment methods, including PayNow, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit and debit cards. This diverse range of accepted payment options ensures convenience for both consumers and businesses. As of now, there are no extra charges and no set limit on the amount a person can pay per transaction.

WhatsApp Pay in Singapore is a collaborative effort between two prominent companies, Stripe and WhatsApp, to facilitate payment transactions within the messaging app. This partnership with Stripe Connect and Stripe Checkout is designed to provide a solution for Singaporean businesses, allowing them to accept payments directly through WhatsApp chats.

How to enable WhatsApp payment for your business in Singapore

There are two methods that businesses can choose to enable WhatsApp digital payment.

1. Register for the beta program on Stripe

If you're interested in enabling payments on WhatsApp, you can register for the program on Stripe. Make sure to fill out the form with precise and essential details. You will likely need to provide details such as:

• Your name and designation within the company

• Business email address for communication

• Company name and website URL

• Country of registration (in this case, Singapore)

2. Connect your Stripe account with WhatsApp API

If your business has individuals skilled in coding and technology, they can connect to Stripe using the WhatsApp Business API. This is great because it lets your business tailor the payment process based on your specific needs.

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this:

• Account creation: Start by creating accounts on both the WhatsApp API for developers and on Stripe.

• Integration: Connect these accounts using unique codes and keys provided by each platform.

• Custom payment solution: Once the connection is established, businesses can design their own method of receiving payments through WhatsApp.

Using the WhatsApp Business API requires some technological knowledge. You can consider another method which is to partner with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as SleekFlow for an easier process. These providers will guide you through the onboarding process and ensure the smooth integration of payment features into your business's WhatsApp chats. 

Baker’s 13 Singapore uses WhatsApp Pay to help customers complete orders

Image from Baker's 13's Facebook page

Baker’s 13 is a business based in Singapore that has embraced the convenience of WhatsApp Pay to enhance the way customers place and finalize their orders. Customers of Baker’s 13 can now use WhatsApp Pay to not only browse the bakery's catalogue but also seamlessly pay for their selected items without leaving the WhatsApp chat interface. This eliminates the need for customers to switch between different apps or platforms to make payments which creates a smoother experience. 

Since WhatsApp had a greater user based than some social media platforms, it allowed us to reach a potentially larger audience. - Colin Yeo, Founder of Baker's 13

WhatsApp payment option alternative: omnichannel in-chat payment on SleekFlow

In addition to WhatsApp Pay, businesses have another enticing option - an omnichannel in-chat payment that is offered by SleekFlow. This innovative approach harnesses SleekFlow's omnichannel capabilities, enabling businesses to process payments directly within chat conversations. 

The power of SleekFlow's solution lies in its ability to merge customer communication and revenue generation, forming a unified encounter. It empowers businesses to gain a comprehensive overview of customer interactions across diverse messaging platforms. Concurrently, it serves as a conduit for generating revenue through these messaging channels, bringing together convenience and financial growth.

Here are some of the best features of utilising an omnichannel in-chat payment:

1. Quickly start online shops in chats

Businesses can easily set up online stores within chats on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber. This process is much faster, taking only minutes instead of days. Integration with popular e-commerce systems such as Shopify, Magento, or Salesforce Commerce Cloud ensures that customer info and orders sync smoothly.

2. Catalogue and product sharing made effortless

Importing product lists and showing individual items is easy. SleekFlow's in-app WhatsApp catalogue makes it simple by displaying product details, prices, and descriptions clearly in the chat. Adding several items to the cart right in the chat room makes shopping more convenient.

3. Customised checkout links and payment options

SleekFlow lets businesses create special links for customers to check out. These links are customised and allow various payment methods like credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Customers get notifications for successful payments and smooth money transfers.

4. Automated order processing and tracking

The solution makes handling orders and tracking them a breeze. Customers can pick their shipping methods and get details about shipping. SleekFlow's automation manages payments, updates order status, and offers real-time tracking, guiding customers from product discovery and exploration to decision-making and purchasing with a better experience.