WhatsApp may be preparing to expand its payment services to more countries as it develops a new Payments section for its iOS app.
WABetaInfo spotted the feature in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.33.10.70 through TestFlight. WhatsApp has not yet released the feature to beta testers, and Meta has not announced any plans to launch WhatsApp Payments in additional countries.
The new interface includes several international countries in its billing-address settings. This development suggests that WhatsApp could be preparing its payment system for a wider rollout.
WhatsApp Payments Could Expand to More Countries
The new Payments section includes a country selector for billing addresses. The list features countries such as:
- Australia
- Austria
- Canada
- Germany
- Ghana
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
- United States
The appearance of these countries does not confirm that WhatsApp will launch payments in those markets. WhatsApp would still need to meet local financial regulations and establish the necessary payment infrastructure and partnerships.
WhatsApp currently offers different payment services in India, Brazil, Singapore and Mexico. India uses UPI, while Brazil supports PIX. Singapore uses local payment infrastructure through a partnership with Stripe, and WhatsApp supports business payments in Mexico.
New Payments Section Could Let Users Send Money
The upcoming Payments section could allow users to send money directly to WhatsApp contacts.
Users would select a contact, enter the payment amount and complete the transaction without leaving WhatsApp.
The feature could also allow users to save credit and debit card details for future payments. The setup includes information such as the card expiry date, CVV and billing address.
WhatsApp also appears to be preparing options for users to store shipping information, including their email address, phone number and delivery address.
WhatsApp Adds Payment Data Controls
The new payment settings could give users additional control over their stored information.
WhatsApp is developing options that would allow users to download or delete their stored payment information.
These tools could make it easier for users to manage financial and billing details directly within the app.
However, WhatsApp could change or remove these features before the company releases the Payments section publicly.
Kunal Shah’s Fintech Background Draws Attention
The payments development comes shortly after Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech company CRED, became the new global head of WhatsApp.
Shah replaced Will Cathcart, who led WhatsApp for nearly seven years before moving to a new product-building role at Meta.
Meta also plans to invest $900 million in CRED, giving the fintech company a valuation of about $4.5 billion. Shah will leave his operating role at CRED and join Meta’s global leadership team.
Shah’s experience in fintech makes the timing of WhatsApp’s payments development notable. However, Meta has not said that his appointment directly relates to the new Payments section.
No WhatsApp Payments Expansion Date Yet
WhatsApp has not announced a release date, supported countries or a global rollout for the new Payments section.
For now, the feature remains under development. The appearance of additional countries in the payment settings provides an early indication that WhatsApp could explore a broader payments rollout.
Any expansion will depend on local regulations, payment partners and the financial infrastructure available in each market.
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