WhatsApp turns into a one-stop bill payment platform in India

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new bill-payment service in India, allowing users to pay electricity, gas and water bills, as well as credit card bills, insurance premiums and loan instalments, directly through the messaging platform.

The new “Bill Payments” feature is being introduced gradually and is expected to reach Android and iOS users over the coming weeks, WhatsApp said.

The service operates through the Bharat Bill Payment System, also known as Bharat Connect, which covers around 22,722 billers across 30 categories. The integration is designed to let users manage multiple household and financial payments without switching between different apps.

Users can access the feature by opening WhatsApp and tapping the rupee icon at the top of the home screen. They can then select a bill category, choose the relevant biller and enter their customer or account details.

After the information is verified, WhatsApp displays the outstanding amount and other bill details. Users can then complete the payment using UPI, debit cards or credit cards.

The service also allows users to view previous transactions and upcoming bills. Billers used previously can be saved for quicker access to future payments.

Arun Srinivas, managing director of Meta India, said millions of Indians already use WhatsApp to communicate with family and friends and interact with businesses and public services. The new feature aims to make bill payments as simple as sending a message, he said.

The rollout further expands WhatsApp’s financial and utility services in India, following the introduction of mobile recharges, UPI payments and metro-related services.