Beta update introduces direct transfers, stored bank cards and billing details as more countries appear in payment settings
WhatsApp is developing a dedicated Payments section for iOS that could lay the groundwork for expanding its financial services beyond the limited number of countries where they currently operate.
The feature appeared in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.33.10.70. However, it remains under development and is not yet available to beta testers.
WhatsApp has not officially confirmed an international expansion or announced which countries could receive the service. Nevertheless, details found within the developing interface suggest the company is preparing payment infrastructure for a broader audience.
Users Could Send Money Directly to Contacts
The planned Payments section includes three main areas. First, users could select a WhatsApp contact, enter an amount and transfer money directly through the messaging application.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is developing an option for users to store credit and debit cards for future transactions. The setup requires information including the card’s expiry date, CVV and billing address.
Another section would allow users to save shipping information, including their email address, telephone number and delivery address.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also working on controls that would let users download or delete stored payment information.
Country List Fuels Expansion Speculation
Significantly, the billing-address interface lists countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Ghana and the Netherlands.
Their inclusion does not confirm WhatsApp Payments will launch in those markets. However, it indicates that WhatsApp is developing systems capable of handling information from users outside existing payment regions.
WhatsApp currently provides different payment services in markets including India, Brazil, Singapore and Mexico. India relies on UPI, while Brazil supports PIX.
Any broader expansion would require regulatory approvals and suitable local payment infrastructure.
The development also follows fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah’s reported appointment as WhatsApp’s new head.
For now, WhatsApp has announced neither a launch date nor a final list of supported countries for the experimental Payments section.
