WhatsApp Launches Digital Payments Option

Facebook owned messaging service WhatsApp has added a digital payments feature starting in Brazil with the aim of the expanding the platform around the world.

In a blog post, Facebook says WhatsApp users in Brazil can use the encrypted mobile messaging service to send money or make purchases.

This marks the first time the payments platform used at the leading social network was woven into WhatsApp.

Facebook says people will be able to send money or make a purchase from a local business without leaving their chat, the company noted.

“Payments on WhatsApp are beginning to roll out to people across Brazil beginning today and we look forward to bringing it to everyone as we go forward.”

While sending money or making payments is a free option for WhatsApp users, businesses will be charged a processing fee on par with those charged for typically credit card transactions.

Digital payments on WhatsApp will be tied to credit or debit cards to start, and transactions will require special identification codes or fingerprint verification.