User cap removed for WhatsApp Pay; UPI services now accessible to everyone

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has removed the user cap previously imposed on WhatsApp Pay. With this change, WhatsApp Pay can now offer UPI services to all users across India. Earlier, the service was limited to 10 crore users.

At the same time, NPCI has clarified that WhatsApp Pay must adhere to all existing UPI guidelines and circulars applicable to third-party application providers (TPAPs).

When WhatsApp Pay was launched in 2020, a user cap of 10 lakh was initially set. This was later increased to 10 core by 2022. The cap has now been completely removed.

The initial limitations were implemented to ensure a seamless launch of the service and prevent strain on the banking infrastructure. With the UPI ecosystem now better established, NPCI has authorised lifting the cap, enabling WhatsApp Pay to broaden its user base.