WhatsApp Beta Version Hints at P2P Payments in U.S.

Code found in a recent WhatsApp version still under development suggests that the instant messaging app could be integrating with Facebook’s digital wallet, Novi, as well as a digital payment system, according to a Monday (Nov. 8) report from Android Central.

Facebook launched its long-awaited digital wallet as part of a pilot program in Guatemala and the U.S. last month, according to PYMNTS. Novi enables users to send and receive money overseas instantly, securely and without fees, the company has said.

See also: Facebook Launches Pilot of Novi Digital Wallet

Users may be able to manage their Novi account via WhatsApp.

As of now, WhatsApp Pay is only available for users in India and Brazil to send and receive payments, according to PYMNTS. WhatsApp Pay in India verifies the phone number linked to the user’s bank account to enable UPI-based payments, while Brazilian users validate their credit or debit cards to make payments through Facebook Pay.

PYMNTS noted last month that recent coding still under development has pointed to the possibility of WhatsApp offering its WhatsApp Pay in another country. If that happens, there’s still uncertainty about if — or how — WhatsApp will change the identity verification process.

Related news: WhatsApp Users Might Have to Verify ID for Payments

It is unclear if the beta coding will become part of WhatsApp or if the version being tested is intended as part of WhatsApp Pay in the U.S. However, Android Central notes that the yet-to-be-finalized development likely means the availability of peer-to-peer (P2P) payments in the U.S. via WhatsApp.

WhatsApp advancements come in the wake of owner Facebook’s recent rebranding as Meta.

Last month, the social media giant announced the new name amid the beta launch of its social virtual reality platform Horizon Worlds, which works together with Oculus Quest. Horizon includes a workplace collaboration version called Horizon Workrooms, where attendees in remote work meetings can interact with avatars.

Read more: Facebook Name Change to Reflect Metaverse Move