WhatsApp Launches Bill Payments in India: Users Can Pay Electricity, Gas, Insurance Bills and More

 

The new feature is powered by Bharat Connect and gives WhatsApp users access to 22,722 billers across more than 30 categories, including utilities, FASTag, insurance, credit cards and loan repayments.

New Delhi: WhatsApp has introduced a new bill payment feature in India, allowing users to find, manage and pay everyday household and utility bills directly within the messaging app.

The feature is being powered by the Bharat Connect network, formerly known as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), and provides access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories, according to the announcement.

The rollout is being carried out gradually across India and is expected to reach users on both Android and iOS in the coming weeks.

What Bills Can Be Paid Through WhatsApp?

The new service is designed to bring several frequently used payment categories into WhatsApp.

Users will be able to access billers covering services such as:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • FASTag
  • Insurance
  • Credit card payments
  • Loan repayments
  • Other household and utility services

WhatsApp says users will be able to browse more than 20 categories through the Payments section.

How To Access Bill Payments On WhatsApp

The bill payment option can be accessed directly from the WhatsApp home screen.

Users need to:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the ₹ icon at the top of the home screen.
  2. Choose the relevant bill category and biller.
  3. Enter and confirm the required account information.
  4. Review the bill amount and other details fetched by the service.
  5. Select a payment method.
  6. Confirm the payment.

The available payment options include UPI, debit cards and credit cards.

WhatsApp To Show Upcoming And Previous Bills

The feature is not limited to making one-time payments.

WhatsApp says previously paid billers will appear on the Payments Home section, allowing users to access them more quickly.

Bills can also be pre-fetched, while users can view information about previous payments and upcoming bills.

This is intended to reduce the need for users to repeatedly search for the same service provider or keep track of different payment apps.

Multiple Accounts Can Be Managed Under One Biller

Another feature allows users to manage multiple accounts associated with the same biller.

For example, a person could potentially keep track of separate bills for their home, office or family members under one service provider.

Frequently used bill categories will also be surfaced automatically on the Payments Home screen, while a “See All” option will allow users to explore the broader list of available categories.

WhatsApp Expands Its Digital Payment Services

WhatsApp has increasingly expanded beyond messaging in India, offering services such as mobile recharges, metro ticket bookings and access to citizen services through government chatbots.

The addition of bill payments brings another routine financial activity into the platform.

According to Arun Srinivas, Managing Director and Country Head of Meta India, the aim is to make everyday bill payments simpler by allowing users to complete the process without switching between multiple applications.

When Will WhatsApp Bill Payments Be Available?

The feature is being rolled out gradually across India.

WhatsApp says bill payments will become available to all Android and iOS users over the coming weeks.

Availability may therefore vary between users during the initial rollout.

FAQ

What is WhatsApp Bill Payments?

WhatsApp Bill Payments is a feature that allows users in India to find and pay eligible household and utility bills directly through WhatsApp.

How many billers are available?

According to WhatsApp’s announcement, the service provides access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories through the Bharat Connect network.

Which payment methods are supported?

Users can choose from UPI, debit card and credit card payment options.

Can I manage multiple bills from the same provider?

Yes. WhatsApp says users can manage multiple accounts under a single biller, including accounts for home, office or family.

Is WhatsApp Bill Payments available on iPhone?

Yes. WhatsApp says the feature is being rolled out for both Android and iOS users.

How do I find the bill payment option?

Open WhatsApp and tap the ₹ icon at the top of the home screen to access the Payments section and look for bill payment options.

Is the feature available to everyone immediately?

No. The rollout is gradual, with WhatsApp saying the feature will become available to Android and iOS users across India over the coming weeks.

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