Google adds messaging to its Tez payment app in India

Google is adding a chat feature to its Tez payment app in India, allowing users to directly communicate via the app itself. Google launched Tez last year and claims to have more than 15 million registered users. The app started out as a peer-to-peer transfer service but now also allows users to pay bills such as gas, water and TV/internet services through it.

The move follows the introduction of peer-to-peer payments inside WhatsApp in India. Additionally, Paytm, India’s leading mobile wallet service, has also bridged the messaging-payment gap, launching messaging capabilities last year. Paytm also plans on launching additional services (e.g. gaming options) to its platform in the near future.