WhatsApp Catalog & Payments in India: Sell and Collect UPI Payments in Chat
In India, many sales already happen on WhatsApp. The problem is the last step: sending a UPI ID, waiting for a screenshot, and checking the bank app. WhatsApp catalog and payments make the whole journey happen inside the chat, from browsing products to paying.
This guide explains the catalog, the WhatsApp Payments API for Indian businesses, and how to set them up.
Key takeaways
- Use a WhatsApp catalog to show products with photos, prices and links.
- The Payments API (India) lets customers pay by any UPI app, cards, netbanking or wallets without leaving WhatsApp.
- Payments run through a linked payment gateway or UPI intent, with automatic status updates.
- Order and payment updates are low-cost utility messages.
Two tools: catalog and payments
Catalog
A product list inside WhatsApp with photos, prices, descriptions and links. Customers browse and add to a cart.
Payments
A bill (order details message) with a Pay button. The customer pays with UPI or other methods and you get the status instantly.
You can use each on its own, but together they create a full shop inside WhatsApp.
How the WhatsApp catalog works
On the WhatsApp Business app, you can add products directly. On the API, the catalog is usually connected to your Meta Commerce Manager, Shopify or WooCommerce store, so prices and stock stay in sync.
You can send single product messages (one item) or multi-product messages (up to a set of items in sections), so customers can pick and add to cart in chat.
Tip: Use clear square photos, short names and the final price. Mention size, colour or weight in the description to reduce questions.
How WhatsApp payments work in India
With Meta’s Payments API for India, your business sends an order details message. It shows the items, total amount and a Pay button. When the customer taps it, they can pay using any UPI app on their phone, and in many setups also by card, netbanking or wallet.
- Customer chooses itemsFrom your catalog, chatbot or a conversation with your team.
- You send an order details messageItems, taxes, delivery charge and total.
- Customer taps PayPays in a UPI app or other method without leaving WhatsApp.
- Payment status comes backYour system gets a webhook: success or failed.
- You confirm the orderAn order status message tells the customer it is confirmed.
Note: There are two main ways to set this up: through a supported payment gateway (like Razorpay or PayU) linked in WhatsApp Manager, or with UPI intent links. Your WhatsApp platform will help you pick.
What you need
- A WhatsApp Business API number from India, on a verified Meta business portfolio.
- A payment gateway account or UPI setup that supports WhatsApp payments.
- A payment configuration linked in WhatsApp Manager (direct pay methods → India).
- A system or platform that creates orders and listens for payment status.
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Chat on WhatsAppSee plansBest use cases
| Business | How they use it |
|---|---|
| D2C brands | Catalog + cart + pay in chat for repeat orders |
| Restaurants | Direct orders with UPI payment (restaurant guide) |
| Coaching institutes | Fee collection with reminders |
| Clinics | Consultation and lab test payments |
| Subscriptions | Renewal reminders with a Pay button |
| COD stores | Offer prepaid UPI to convert cash orders |
Payment reminders that get paid
Many businesses send a reminder template with an order details message attached, for example for fee dues or bill payments.
Payment and order updates are utility messages, which cost much less than marketing. See India pricing.
Tips for higher conversion
- Send the payment request right after the customer confirms, not hours later.
- Show a clear breakdown: price, delivery and total.
- Offer a small prepaid discount to convert COD buyers.
- Send an instant receipt and delivery update after payment.
- Let customers reply with questions; do not make the chat one-way.
Frequently asked questions
Can businesses accept UPI payments inside WhatsApp?
Yes, in India. With the WhatsApp Payments API linked to a supported gateway or UPI setup, customers can pay with any UPI app and often by card, netbanking or wallets without leaving the chat.
Is WhatsApp Pay the same as WhatsApp business payments?
No. WhatsApp Pay is person-to-person UPI between users. Business payments use Meta’s Payments API with your payment gateway to collect money from customers.
Which payment gateways work with WhatsApp?
Several Indian gateways, such as Razorpay and PayU, support WhatsApp payment configurations. Check with your gateway and WhatsApp platform.
Do I need a website to use WhatsApp catalog?
No. You can create a catalog in Commerce Manager or the app. A website or store helps keep products in sync but is not required.
Are payment messages expensive?
Order and payment status messages are usually utility messages, which cost much less than marketing messages.
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