You Can Now Make Payments To Local Businesses In Singapore Using WhatsApp
Updated: Dec 19, 2023
Singapore residents and businesses can now transact directly on WhatsApp.
Meta on Tuesday, 9 May announced the launch of WhatsApp's new payments feature in the country. The feature would enable Singaporeans to buy and sell goods or services without having to go to a separate website, open another app or transact in person. It's being rolled out to a small number of local businesses today, with more to follow in the coming months.
"Starting today, people in Singapore can pay their local merchants on WhatsApp in just a few taps," said Stephane Kasriel, Head of FinTech at Meta. "This seamless and secure experience will transform the way people and businesses in Singapore connect on WhatsApp."
The feature, which is supported by payments service provider Stripe, enables Singaporeans with a WhatsApp number registered in the city-state to pay using credit and debit cards as well as PayNow.
"We’re excited to power this new feature for WhatsApp because it’s great for both businesses and their customers in Singapore," said Sarita Singh, Regional Head and Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Stripe. "Businesses can now expand their revenue streams and access a wider customer base, while customers can make payments conveniently knowing that their payment details are secure."
Some of the local businesses that have already adopted the new payments feature include plant-based butcher Love Handle, gym No Excuses, lifestyle boutique Tye Tye, and pastry shop Baker's 13.
The option to enable the feature on WhatsApp in Singapore is available to local businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform. Other local businesses that are interested in adopting the feature for their customers can contact and work with one of Meta's business solution providers like Vonage, Gupshup, 360dialog and Wati.io.
WhatsApp payments was launched to allow users to send and receive money in an easy and secure manner. The payments solution is available in India, Brazil and select users in the U.S.
Meta announced the launch of WhatsApp's new payments feature in Singapore.
The feature would enable Singaporean residents and businesses to buy and sell goods or services without having to go to a separate website, open another app or transact in person.
It's being rolled out to a small number of local businesses today, with more to follow in the coming months.