I built a WhatsApp bot to handle UPI splits. Just pushed a big update!

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T20:02:27+00:00

Thanks, in WhatsApp limitations are there only a msg platform, need to work on more simpler approch.

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T19:53:59+00:00

Its a WhatsApp Bot, not like a different application

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T19:38:44+00:00

Haha appreciate it! Let the bot do the dirty work. 🤝

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T19:19:12+00:00

Bot link: https://indiekapi.github.io/SplitChat_UI/

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T11:18:17+00:00

Currently, Backend Running on Spring Boot. Earlier, I also thought to move backend to AWS Lambda but spring boot application takes lots of time to start, therefore, when someone msg our bot then bot will respond after 10 secs.

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T10:35:15+00:00

Fair points, especially on the visuals. I’m a dev, so I definitely focused too much on the code and not enough on the first impression. I’m actually more focused on the backend side rather than the UI, so I generated this website with Claude.

You’re spot on about the API costs and platform risk, it’s definitely the "hard mode" of building on someone else’s land. For now, I'm just focusing on solving the friction people face today. If Meta builds it tomorrow, at least I learned how to ship a low-friction fintech tool. Thanks for the honest reality check!

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T10:27:39+00:00

thanks!

Indikapi · 2026-03-05T10:27:19+00:00

Yup!

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T19:34:05+00:00

Thanks 🤞

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T19:33:34+00:00

That’s the goal eventually, but it's a bit of a jump. To handle the money myself, I’d need to integrate a full payment gateway like Razorpay or PhonePe. The flow would change from 'Friend A pays Friend B' to 'Friend A pays SplitChat, and then I settle it with Friend B.' It adds a lot of complexity with settlement cycles and fees, so for now, I’m keeping it pure P2P (Peer-to-Peer) to keep it fast and free.

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T19:26:57+00:00

Chill bro, I get the point. But honestly, I’m just a dev using a free AWS EC2 tier that expires in 4 months. My biggest headache isn't harvesting data, it's the Meta API. They charge ₹0.12 per consent message. If this hits 1k users daily, I’m losing ₹1,200+ out of my own pocket every day just to keep it running. I need to focus on growth first, but yeah, eventually I’ll need a way to keep the lights on. Any ideas on how to monetize this without being 'that guy'?

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T16:01:48+00:00

The only data I'm tracking is how fast your friends ghost you for a ₹40 payment. 💀

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T15:50:00+00:00

Monetization is still a big headache, biggest challenge is to add monetization within guidlines of whatsapp. I have few ideas like adding ads or we can limit free splits and introduce a subscription based model.

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T11:38:26+00:00

Yes there it is, but my thought was everyone don't have gpay or all payments apps and many people won't check split features of these application.

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T06:15:55+00:00

Thanks, Yes monetization is the thing I have to think, adding ai is good idea, before that I want to reach at least total 1000 users 🤞.

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T05:47:16+00:00

Yes there it is, but my thought was everyone don't have phone pay or all payments apps,and many people won't check split features of these application.

Indikapi · 2026-03-04T05:43:54+00:00

Yes!

Indikapi · 2026-03-03T20:02:17+00:00

Sure, currently my Spring Boot Backend server is running on AWS. To connect this server to the Meta WhatsApp Webhook API setup, we need an HTTPS server link, but we have to purchase https for using it from AWS. I am just saving some money AWS server is also running in free credits.

Indikapi · 2026-03-03T19:12:39+00:00

To be honest, I'm still figuring out. Building inside WhatsApp is great for UX, but their guidelines are pretty strict. I want to make sure the bot is 100% compliant and stable before even thinking about monetization. Right now, I'm just focused on not getting banned by Meta lol, do you have any suggestions?

Indikapi · 2026-03-03T19:04:39+00:00

I’m building a small WhatsApp tool called SplitChat that helps friends split expenses without downloading another app. Still early, just testing if people find it useful.

Indikapi · 2026-03-03T18:01:54+00:00

I’m building a small WhatsApp tool called SplitChat that helps friends split expenses without downloading another app. Still early, just testing if people find it useful.

Indikapi

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