📋 The information below comes directly from Meta's official documentation.
💬 How Meta Charges for WhatsApp Messages?
Meta doesn't charge you for every single message you send. Instead, they charge for the conversations you have with your customers. A conversation is like a chat that lasts for 24 hours between you and a customer.
📊 Message Categories Defined by Meta
| Message Type | Purpose | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 🔧 Utility Messages | To send requested updates like receipts, order confirmations, or reminders | Perfect for transactional communications |
| 🔐 Authentication Messages | To send login codes or one-time passwords (OTP) securely | Essential for secure user verification |
| 📢 Marketing Messages | To promote offers, re-engage customers, or send sales announcements | Great for promotional campaigns |
| 💬 Service Messages | Used when a customer messages you first, and you reply within 24 hours | Free responses to customer inquiries |
💰 Pricing for India (as per Meta)
| Message Type | When to Use | Price per Message (India) |
|---|---|---|
| 🆓 Service Messages | Customer messages you → You reply within 24 hours | FREE |
| 🔧 Utility Messages | You send order updates, payment info | ₹0.115 per message |
| 🔐 Authentication Messages | You send login/OTP codes | ₹0.115 per message |
| 📢 Marketing Messages | You send promotions/offers | ₹0.8631 per message |
⚠️ Note: These are pre-tax rates, and only apply to template messages sent via the WhatsApp Business Platform.
⏰ What's the 24-Hour Customer Service Window?
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When a customer messages you first, you get a 24-hour window to send them free-form messages (this is called a Service conversation).
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Replies in this window are 100% free.
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After 24 hours, if you need to send a message again, you must use a paid template (Utility, Authentication, or Marketing).
⚡ Important Points
🔑 Key Information:
- Only template messages are charged. Free-form replies within a 24-hour window are free.
- A template is a pre-approved message format (like: "Hi {{name}}, your order has been shipped!").
- Prices vary by country, but above rates apply for businesses sending messages to Indian numbers.
- Meta may offer volume discounts at high message counts.