Zoho Corp, known for its business software and messaging platform Arrattai Messenger, is reportedly gearing up to launch Zoho Pay, a UPI-based consumer payments app. The move is expected to place Zoho in direct competition with established digital payment platforms such as Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay.
Zoho Pay features and integration
According to reports, Zoho Pay will function as a standalone application while also being integrated with Arrattai Messenger, allowing users to access both messaging and payments from a single platform. Users will be able to send and receive money, pay bills, and trigger other transactions seamlessly within the app.
Zoho already holds a payment-aggregator licence and offers business payments through Zoho Business. However, its expansion into the instant UPI payments ecosystem is expected to shake up the Indian digital payments landscape, leveraging the company’s existing large and loyal user base.
Timing and availability
While the exact launch date for Zoho Pay remains unconfirmed, sources indicate that the app is currently in closed testing. Speculations suggest a release for both iOS and Android platforms in the next quarter.
The integration of Zoho Pay into Arrattai Messenger could make the platform a strong competitor to WhatsApp, which already supports UPI payments. By combining messaging and payments in one app, Zoho is positioning itself to challenge Meta’s dominance in India’s digital payments sector.
Impact on India’s digital payments landscape
India’s UPI network is the world’s most active digital payment ecosystem, and the entry of Zoho Pay is likely to increase competition while offering users more options. Experts suggest that Zoho’s foray into consumer payments could accelerate innovation and adoption in the sector, particularly among users who are already familiar with the company’s products.