WhatsApp banking: Here are the services you can access through this instant messaging platform

WhatsApp banking: The COVID-19 crisis and eventual lockdown has brought life as we knew it to grinding halt. People have been stuck at home and are not being able to complete many daily tasks. Even now, several states in the country continue to impose lockdowns. Some of the things that are critical for the country, cannot, of course, be halted. Banking, for one, cannot stop. People and businesses will continue to exchange money and it is teh lifeblood of the economy. While all banks have their online banking systems and mobile apps in place, WhatsApp supports banking services.

Several commercial banks across the country such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank offer WhatsApp banking facility. Customers’ banking requests can be addressed on a real-time basis through WhatsApp banking services which makes banking efficient.

Since WhatsApp has made it to millions of smartphones in the country anyway, the services are highly accessible too. Also, in order for a person to avail WhatsApp banking service, the user doesn't necessarily have to be a customer of the bank to interact with it.

Here are the services offered by lenders via WhatsApp banking:

Checking account balance

Obtaining the last 3 transactions

Outstanding balance check of credit cards

Checking available credit limit on credit card

Blocking and unblocking of debit/credit cards anytime, anywhere

Getting details of pre-approved loan offered

Opening of InstaSave account (Savings Account) online

How to avail WhatsApp banking facility:

- Add the bank’s advertised WhatsApp number to the contact list and give a missed call on it. 

- After giving a missed call, the services would be subscribed. You may receive a welcome text message from the bank’s WhatsApp number.

- To initiate a chat through WhatsApp for any banking service, send a message typing ‘Hi’. As per the requirement, you may further select a suitable option. By starting a conversation on this number, users are agreeing to the terms and conditions of WhatsApp banking.