WeChat added a wallet feature to its messaging app in South Africa, enabling point-of-sale transactions and P2P payments.

Up to three chip-and-PIN Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards can be stored in the wallet.

Debit and credit cards are used to top up the cash balance in a user’s wallet, as well as make purchases via the wallet such as airtime, electricity or food. In addition, wallet users can make payments at the point of sale via SnapScan, which enables tap and pay using QR code technology.

SnapScan was developed by South Africa’s Standard Bank. The bank also enables WeChat users to add or take out cash from their wallets at its ATMs. Cash can also be withdrawn at participating retailers, including supermarket Spar.

WeChat users can also send cash to friends using the wallet service without needing a bank account. When registering for the WeChat wallet, users automatically become members of Standard Bank’s P2P Instant Money service. Neither senders nor recipients need to have a bank account with Instant Money.

WeChat users wanting to register for the wallet log into the messaging app then tap ‘Me’ followed by ‘Wallet’ and follow the instructions. The service is only available to South Africans who are 16 years or older.