WhatsApp Introduces FASTag, Water Bill and Utility Payments: Here's How It Works

WhatsApp has rolled out a new bill payment feature in India, allowing users to check, manage and pay household and utility bills directly through the messaging platform. Powered by the Bharat Connect (BBPS) network, the service gives users access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories, covering services such as electricity, gas, water, FASTag, insurance, credit cards and loan payments.

Arun Srinivas, Managing Director and Country Head of Meta India, said the new feature is aimed at making everyday payments more convenient by reducing the need to switch between different apps or manage multiple payment platforms. According to WhatsApp, the bill payment facility is being introduced gradually across India and will be available to Android and iOS users over the next few weeks.

To access the service, users can tap the ₹ icon at the top of the WhatsApp home screen. The Payments Home page allows them to check previous transactions, view upcoming bills, manage multiple accounts with the same biller and select from available payment methods without leaving WhatsApp. WhatsApp will also make repeat payments easier by automatically fetching bills from billers that users have previously paid through the service. These billers will appear on the Payments Home page, making them easier to access when the next payment is due.

Users can also add multiple accounts under the same biller, allowing them to manage bills for their home, workplace or family members from one place. Frequently used bill categories will be displayed on the Payments Home page, while the “See All” option will provide access to the wider range of available categories.

To pay a bill, users simply need to open WhatsApp, tap the ₹ icon, select the relevant bill category and biller, and enter the required account details. Once the bill information and amount are displayed, users can choose a payment method such as UPI, debit card or credit card and confirm the transaction. With the addition of bill payments, WhatsApp is expanding its digital payment services in India, giving users another convenient way to handle routine household and utility payments within the app.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.