WhatsApp may be preparing to introduce its peer-to-peer payment system in the U.S., according to code found in the latest app beta by XDA-Developers.
Last month, XDA-Developers found code within a previous version of the WhatsApp beta that suggested it would begin requiring document verification for sending money using the app. In the most recent teardown of a newer version of the app, it appears that the verification is related to a new integration with Meta’s (formerly Facebook) Novi wallet app.
Source: WABetaInfo
The strings of code found are centred around the verification process and they are all labelled with “Novi.” This code aligns with a previous report by WABetaInfo who posted the following screenshot, proving that WhatsApp is in the process of testing Novi integration within the messaging app.
The Novi service known to let users send and receive money with no fees across borders by using the Pax Dollar is currently available in the U.S. and Guatemala, the change could signal the imminent arrival of P2P payments for U.S. WhatsApp users. However, the messaging app has been “working to bring this feature to other countries.” U.S. Messenger users can also make payments to each other.
Currently, WhatsApp supports person-to-person payments in Brazil and India. There’s no saying when this integration will rollout on WhatsApp, but it could signal a huge expansion in the app’s P2P capabilities.
