Nearpays Launches Carl AI Assistant for WhatsApp Banking

In Short

• Nearpays has launched Carl, an AI-powered assistant that works inside WhatsApp.
• Users can send money, check balances, manage savings, and reach support via chat.
• The move targets faster, lower-friction banking for consumers and small businesses.

What Happened

Nearpays has introduced Carl, an AI-powered assistant that enables WhatsApp banking tasks without leaving a chat thread. That includes sending money, checking account balances, managing savings, and getting customer support.

The company is positioning Carl as a conversational interface, meaning users interact by typing messages instead of navigating app menus. In practical terms, it is similar to “talking to your bank” in WhatsApp, and getting actions completed through prompts.

Nearpays has also been expanding its broader product suite for payments and business operations. Its website highlights tools like tap to pay (contactless payment acceptance on compatible phones), business management features, and card and savings products, aimed at sectors such as retail, professional services, beauty and wellness, food and beverage, and healthcare.

Why It Matters

WhatsApp is one of the most-used apps across Africa, so putting banking actions inside it can reduce drop-offs. Many users already rely on messaging for customer service and commerce, so a WhatsApp-based assistant can make money movement and support feel more familiar.

For small businesses, speed matters. If Carl can reliably handle routine actions like balance checks, transfers, and savings management, it can reduce time spent switching between apps and channels.

This launch also reflects a wider fintech shift toward conversational AI (AI that understands and responds to messages like a support agent) as a front door for payments and banking. The key test will be trust, accuracy, and how well the assistant handles errors, fraud risks, and account security when real money is involved.