Chat-based payments system, offered first in Brazil, allows users to send money or pay merchants without leaving chat service.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that Facebook has launched its long-awaited WhatsApp digital payments offering, with Brazilian users and small businesses the first to gain access to the service.

The system allows users to send money to other individuals or to make purchases from local businesses.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp noted that WhatsApp users in Brazil have grown accustomed to relying on the platform to interact with small and micro-businesses.

“Now in addition to viewing a store’s catalogue, customers will be able to send payments for products as well,” the company said.