WhatsApp is now expanding the payments ecosystem by adding a new feature which allows users to recharge prepaid mobile numbers without leaving the app. The feature is currently rolling out in a phased manner for both Android and iOS users. With this update, the users will no longer need to switch between apps to recharge their numbers. It supports major telecom operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, and allows payments via UPI, debit cards and credit cards.
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The company has added the feature under the ₹ icon on the home screen which acts as a central hub for payments, recharges and other services like bill payments and metro ticketing. The company has also confirmed that the feature is backed by PayU, a transaction processing platform.
How to recharge prepaid mobile on WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp and tap on the ₹ icon or go to More options > Payments
Select Mobile recharge / Prepaid recharge
Choose the mobile number (your own or someone else’s)
Confirm the telecom operator and circle
Browse and select a recharge plan
Review the details and tap Continue to payment
Choose your preferred payment method (UPI, debit card, or credit card)
Authenticate the transaction using your UPI PIN or card details
Soon after the payment gets confirmed, the users will get a confirmation screen with plan details and transactions will also be available in the payment history section. Do note that the completed recharges will not be cancelled or reversed, the company mentioned in its FAQ page.
And if the transaction fails and the money gets deducted, refunds are said to be processed within a few business days. If delays occur, users can contact PayU support for assistance.
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek.View Full Profile