• WhatsApp has announced new payments features only available to users in Brazil for now.
• Users in the South American country are now capable of paying small businesses within chat.
• No wider rollout is detailed yet, but WhatsApp hopes to make this payment method available in more countries.

WhatsApp has announced a new feature that will be of interest to small businesses and customers alike wanting to transact via the Meta-owned messaging platform. This as users in Brazil are now capable of making payments right within chat.

The feature is limited to Brazil for now, which has been used by Meta as a testing ground for new features and products in the past, given the high level of mobile penetration.

“This seamless and secure checkout experience will be a game-changer for people and small businesses looking to buy and sell on WhatsApp without having to go to a website, open another app or pay in person. We’re rolling out today to a small number of businesses and will be available to many more in the coming months,” explained the platform in a blog post.

It goes on to explain that transactions can be facilitated in chat, with Visa and Mastercard approved debit, credit, and pre-paid cards all accepted.

“Small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app can link a supported payment partner – such as Cielo, Mercado Pago or Rede – and create an order within the app to securely accept payments from their customers,” it continues.

The platform has highlighted the security elements of this new feature too, noting that card numbers are encrypted and, and people are required to create a Payment PIN and use it for each payment. There is also the offer of customer support when needed, according to the Meta-owned service.

No mention is made about when this new feature will reach other countries outside of Brazil, but it looks like WhatsApp is eyeing a larger rollout down the line.

“We’re excited to hear how this service helps people and small businesses in Brazil connect on WhatsApp, and look forward to bringing it to more types of businesses and countries in the future,” it concluded.