WhatsApp has rolled out its newest in-app cash management feature. Users in Brazil may already transfer funds across accounts.
Stores around the world are pushing for a cashless movement, and hygiene is the simple reason behind this. Fortunately, some countries already have heavy adaption to cashless payments. Brazil joins this movement with a huge boost from Facebook and WhatsApp.
WhatsApp on Facebook Pay
Mark Zuckerberg announced a few days ago that Brazilian users of WhatsApp might already use the app for payments. Zuckerberg said,
“Today we’re starting to launch payments for people using WhatsApp in Brazil. We’re making sending and receiving money as easy as sharing photos. We’re also enabling small businesses to make sales right within WhatsApp.”
The system will rely heavily on Facebook Pay as its base system. However, the payment feature will be housed within the WhatsApp chat app. The social media company has partnered up with local banks in Brazil to make this feature come to life.
The in-app payments have been in the works for quite some time now and have been only made into a reality now as a surprise launch. Facebook tried to work on a similar feature in India, but it hasn’t gotten off the ground yet.
WhatsApp payment advantages
Bringing payments within the world’s most-used messaging app has many advantages for its users. First, users may easily transfer payments across accounts easily. This feature comes in very handy during these times. In other words, users don’t have to go and line up in banks just to withdraw or deposit cash. In a few taps, they can do this within the comforts of their homes.
Second, users generally prevent physically touching cash, which studies show are heavy carriers of germs. These studies have found fecal and bacteria and pathogens on people’s money. The more the money is left in circulation, the more chances of its forming a long list of bacteria. Nowadays, handling cash isn’t the most ideal. Some users have even gone to the lengths of disinfecting money that they receive, which could be quite tedious.
Lastly, having a payment system on WhatsApp is an advantage for small merchants. Having an online payment system opens up opportunities for them to fulfill orders. Not only that, but a store setup within WhatsApp also opens up more exposure for their store and products.
According to Zuckerberg, Brazil is the first one to get this feature. There will be “more to come soon.”
Image courtesy of WhatsApp/Website Screenshot