WhatsApp is expanding its presence in India's digital payments scene by allowing users to top up prepaid phone credit directly within the app. This move comes as WhatsApp struggles to gain significant market share against giants like PhonePe and Google Pay.

The feature, a collaboration with fintech firm PayU, will be rolled out to all Indian WhatsApp users over the next two weeks. Despite boasting 500 million users in India and launching payments services in 2020, WhatsApp remains a minor player, lagging behind its rivals in transaction volumes.

Since lifting onboarding restrictions late last year, WhatsApp’s UPI transactions have more than doubled, showing renewed growth. However, the app still trails significantly—PhonePe processed over 10.5 billion transactions and Google Pay around 7.5 billion, compared to WhatsApp's 130 million in March.

The push for payments is part of a broader strategy by Meta to add utility beyond messaging. Users can now pay bills, book metro tickets, and access government services within the app. A ₹ icon has been added to make these features more accessible.

While WhatsApp aims to simplify everyday transactions, it faces stiff competition from established players in India’s bustling digital payments market.