Whatsapp payment options

Osem · 15-07-2014, 11:24

Been using Whatsapp free for some time but recently have been getting a payment request in order to continue using it. I've had a look in the account settings and the payment options listed are Google Wallet?? and "send payment URL" whatever that is. I thought I'd be able to pay on Paypal but that option doesn't seem to be there for some reason so how am I supposed to pay?

TIA as always.

Qtx · 15-07-2014, 11:30

The android app store uses google wallet for buying apps , which is why they probably use it in Whatsapp.

Whatsapp is free on the iPhone, so there is a trick where you can install WhatsApp on an iPhone using your details, then use the details on your android phone and it should stay free forever

So if you have a friend with an iPhone who doesn't use whatsapp, it's a way around having to register a Google wallet account.

15-07-2014, 11:39

I thought it was free for a year then 99 cents a year after

v0id · 15-07-2014, 13:19

Leave it a few days after it expires and you'll keep getting a further months trial "as a courtesy"

Osem · 15-07-2014, 14:45

Cheers, yes I read that can happen sometimes.

I won't be paying to renew anyway. If trying to find out how to pay is so difficult I'd rather go elsewhere. Honestly the more I read about these things the more I'm inclined to avoid them.

Seems to me some folks have their entire lives virtually in the hands of distant, faceless conglomerates who're are impervious to reason and make up the rules as they go along. Anyway I'm glad I'm old fashioned and naturally cautious about this sort of thing...

Qtx · 15-07-2014, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0id

Leave it a few days after it expires and you'll keep getting a further months trial "as a courtesy"

Seen that happen for about six months in a row then suddenly no dice.

When most of whatsapp's business model is based on knowing your address book, doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

The merging of facebook and whatsapp is now being looked at by the EU anti-trust/competition lot after some complaints:

Quote:

Some lawyers and privacy supporters are arguing that the merging would make Facebook a "data monopolist." This would definitely give an advantage to the social media site as it can use the massively gathered data of users as entry barriers to rival companies.

dilli-theclaw · 18-01-2016, 17:04

A bit of a bump - but just to say as of today, WhatsApp is now subscription free.

Hom3r · 18-01-2016, 19:41

Shame you can't have it on a PC.

Stephen · 18-01-2016, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

Shame you can't have it on a PC.

You can....

https://web.whatsapp.com/

Of course you need it on your phone first.

Osem · 19-01-2016, 10:19

I never needed to pay for it in the end - just kept getting extensions or reinstalling it. All in all I'd say it's very useful and much better than texting.