How to take payments on WhatsApp in Malaysia and Singapore: DuitNow QR, PayNow, card payment links, and the receipt message that closes the loop
The sale happens in the chat, and then the awkward part: "how do I pay?". In Malaysia and Singapore the answer is easy because both countries have instant bank transfer by QR or ID, and card payment links cost nothing to set up. Here is what to use, how to send it, and the one rule that stops the payment step becoming a scam vector.
Quick answer
In Malaysia, DuitNow QR and DuitNow ID let a customer pay from any bank app by scanning or entering your number; in Singapore, PayNow does the same. Both are instant and free or near-free for the customer. For card payments, or for customers abroad, a payment link from Stripe or a local gateway takes seconds to create and sends as a URL. Send the method in the chat, ask for a screenshot or rely on the gateway's notification, then confirm with a receipt message. Never change bank details by chat, and say so.
Which method
| Method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DuitNow QR or ID (MY) | Local customers, any amount | Instant, from any bank or e-wallet app; register a business DuitNow ID with your bank. DuitNow. |
| PayNow (SG) | Local customers, any amount | Instant by UEN or mobile; PayNow Corporate for a UEN. ABS PayNow. |
| Card payment link | Deposits, overseas customers, anyone who wants a card | Stripe or a local gateway; a URL you paste in the chat; fees apply. Stripe Payment Links. |
| E-wallet transfer | Small amounts | Touch 'n Go, GrabPay and others; check business account rules. |
| Cash on collection or delivery | Walk-ins, COD areas | Fine, but record it. |
The flow in the chat
- Confirm the order or booking and the total, in one message.
- Send the payment method: the DuitNow or PayNow QR image, or the payment link.
- Ask the customer to reply with a screenshot for transfers; for links, the gateway notifies you.
- Confirm receipt with a receipt message and the next step (collection time, delivery date, appointment).
Templates for each message are in order confirmation templates and payment reminder templates.
Deposits
Deposits are where payment links shine: a fixed amount, paid by card in seconds, refundable or not by your policy. State the policy in the same message as the link. The policy wording is in deposit and cancellation templates.
The one rule
Bank details never change by chat. Put your official account or DuitNow ID in one place (website, knowledge base) and tell customers that any message asking them to pay a different account is not from you. Hijacked business accounts are used precisely to send new bank details to existing customers; see protecting your business WhatsApp. An AI agent should be instructed the same way: it sends only the payment details in its knowledge base and never confirms a change.
With an AI agent
The agent confirms the order, sends the QR or link from the knowledge base, asks for the screenshot, and hands over for a person to verify the transfer and send the receipt, or records the gateway's confirmation if you tell it. It does not verify payments itself. Reconciliation stays with your bookkeeping. Native WhatsApp payments are available in some countries and not others; check WhatsApp's current availability for yours.
Frequently asked questions
How do customers pay me on WhatsApp in Malaysia?
Send a DuitNow QR or your DuitNow ID; they pay from any bank app instantly. Or send a card payment link.
How do customers pay me on WhatsApp in Singapore?
PayNow by UEN or mobile, or a card payment link.
Can I take card payments without a website?
Yes. A payment link from Stripe or a local gateway is a URL you paste in the chat.
Can WhatsApp itself process payments?
Native WhatsApp payments exist in some countries; in most of Southeast Asia businesses use QR transfers and payment links.
Can an AI agent take payments?
It sends your payment details or link and records the order. Verification and reconciliation stay with you.
Order confirmed, link sent, receipt out
The agent handles the conversation; your bank handles the money. 7-day free trial.
Sources and further reading
- DuitNow, Malaysia
- Association of Banks in Singapore, PayNow
- Stripe, Payment Links
- WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy · opt-in, opt-out and prohibited-use rules every business must follow
ReplyKit is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or WhatsApp. This article is general guidance, not financial or legal advice. Fees, availability and business account rules vary by bank and provider; check the current terms.