u/GlassesOnEyes

WhatsApp just launched prepaid mobile recharges inside the app (Jio, Airtel, Vi supported).

Rolled out April 23rd, powered by PayU.

WhatsApp has added a prepaid mobile recharge feature directly inside the app — no need to open PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm separately. Powered by PayU, it supports Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). You can even recharge someone else's number, not just your own.

How to find it:

• Open WhatsApp → tap the new ₹ icon on the home screen → select Mobile Prepaid Recharge → pick your number, choose plan, pay via UPI or card.

What's NOT supported yet:

• Postpaid billing - only prepaid for now.

WhatsApp has 500 million+ Indian users and still can't come close. The question is whether adding utility features like recharge, metro tickets, and bill payments actually changes user behaviour - or whether people just prefer dedicated payment apps.