Free tool · Meta rates from 1 October 2026

WhatsApp Business API cost calculator

See what Meta will charge for your WhatsApp messages each month. Move the sliders to match how many of each message type you send.

Your messages per month

Marketing messages each

Offers, broadcasts, cart reminders, new arrivals.

Utility messages each

Order confirmations, shipping and delivery updates, appointment reminders.

Authentication messages each

One-time passwords (OTPs) for login or checkout.

Service replies each

Your replies when a customer messages you first. The first 1,000 each month are free.

Estimated Meta charges

— / month

Marketing
Utility
Authentication
Service ( free)
GST 18%

Add 18% GST

With AICustomerPilot

Plan (4 channels, AI, CRM)

Meta message charges, at cost

Total per month

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Rates from Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform rate card, effective 1 October 2026, for the first volume tier. Meta changes rates from time to time; this is an estimate, not a quote.

How WhatsApp API pricing works

Meta charges per delivered message, based on the kind of message and the country of the person receiving it.

Marketing

Anything promotional: offers, launches, reminders to come back. The most expensive type, so send to people who opted in.

Utility

Updates about something the customer already did, like an order, booking or payment.

Authentication

One-time passwords. Usually the same price as utility messages.

Service

Replies within 24 hours of the customer messaging you. Each number gets 1,000 free a month, then the utility rate.

Ways to spend less on WhatsApp

Let customers message first

Click-to-WhatsApp ads and website chat buttons start a chat with free replies for 72 hours (from an ad or Page button) or up to your free service allowance.
Use utility, not marketing, for updates

Order and delivery updates cost far less than marketing messages when the template is categorised correctly.
Send to segments, not everyone

A broadcast to 2,000 likely buyers beats 20,000 random contacts, for a tenth of the cost.

Want the full explanation? Read WhatsApp API pricing, explained.

Questions people ask

Is the WhatsApp Business API free?

Connecting is free. Meta charges per delivered template message (marketing, utility and authentication). Since 1 October 2026, each business number also gets 1,000 free service replies a month, and service replies after that are charged at the utility rate.

What is a service message?

A normal reply you send while the customer service window is open: within 24 hours of the customer's last message to you. You can write anything, no template needed.

Are any messages completely free?

Yes. When a customer messages you from a Click-to-WhatsApp ad or a Facebook Page button, everything you send for the next 72 hours is free. Your first 1,000 service replies each month are free too.

Do I pay GST on WhatsApp charges in India?

Meta's rate card shows prices before tax. Providers billing you in India usually add 18% GST on top, which a GST-registered business can often claim back. Check your provider's invoice with your accountant.

Why is marketing so much more expensive?

Meta prices promotional messages higher to stop WhatsApp turning into spam. Sending fewer, better-targeted messages keeps your bill down and your read rates up.

Can I send marketing messages to US numbers?

Not right now. Meta has paused marketing templates to US (+1) phone numbers. Utility, authentication and service messages to the US still work.

Does AICustomerPilot add a markup?

No. Meta's message charges are passed on at cost. You pay our plan price on top, which includes the inbox, AI replies, campaigns and CRM. See pricing.

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