In a fresh update, WhatsApp has rolled out a brand new Novi pilot program for some users in the United States. With Novi digital wallet, users can send and receive payments with their WhatsApp chats that too without any charges of any kind. The best part about the new feature is that it allows users to receive and send money without leaving the chats.
This latest update was first spotted by an online WhatsApp news and update portal, WABetaInfo over Twitter. According to the WABetaInfo Twitter handle, the messenger is announcing the Novi pilot program in the US for some people. The exact information about the Novi pilot program or digital wallet was also tweeted by Stephane Kasriel who’s the current Head of Novi at WhatsApp. He mentioned in a tweet that the platform is starting a digital wallet for a limited number of people in America. Soon, the platform’s head, Will Cathcart retweeted Stephane’s tweet while adding his own words. He compelled people in his retweet to use the new Novi digital wallet to send and receive money right within a WhatsApp chat.
For using the digital wallet, a user first needs to go and open chats for the contact they wish to send money to. There will be a paperclip icon in the bar for Android users whereas for iOS users there will be a + icon. After tapping on respective icons people can select the payment menu. After selecting a create or log-in into Novi account option will appear on the screen. With the completion of an account setup or login, people can simply start sending as well as receiving payment through WhatsApp chats.
However, it must be noted that the new feature is restricted to a few people in the country. People living in Guatemala won’t be able to avail the feature for now. Although the Meta-owned WhatsApp has assured the update will be available soon and give them an alternative in the meantime. The residents can surely join the trial version through the standalone Novi app.