WhatsApp introduces payment function in its chat app in Brazil

Brazilian WhatsApp users can now use parent company Facebook’s chat app to make digital payments. It is no longer necessary to close the app. Payments are made via payment service Facebook Pay.

A six-digit PIN or fingerprint is required to secure the transactions. Currently, only Banco do Brasil, Nubank and Sicredi debit or credit cards are supported through the Visa and Mastercard networks. In addition, Facebook is collaborating with Cielo, the largest payment processor in Brazil, for the payment function integrated into WhatsApp.

Individual users can send money or make a purchase from WhatsApp at no extra cost. Companies must pay an administration fee in order to receive payments from customers. According to WhatsApp, that rate is comparable to what they may already pay for accepting credit card transactions.

The payment option in WhatsApp has previously been tested in India, but is now appearing for the first time in Brazil. WhatsApp says it looks forward to offering the payment option to everyone in the future, but when that will be the case and which other countries will be next after Brazil, is still unknown.