Recently, Meta announced that it will be updating the WhatsApp Business API pricing model, charges will now be calculated per message instead of per conversation. The goal is to simplify the system and bring it in line with current industry standards.

In addition, utility messages sent within the 24-hour service window will no longer incur any charges, they will be free. The definition of utility messages will be refined based on user interactions and responses, with category changes applied to certain use cases.

So, what other changes is Meta making to the WhatsApp Business API pricing? Find out in the article below.

WhatsApp API Pricing Based on Business Solution Provider (BSP)

Meta applies different rates for WhatsApp Business API usage, divided into four categories: Service, Marketing, Utility, and Authentication (Local and International).

For messages that fall under the Service category, Meta has not charged any fees since November 1, 2024. Meanwhile, the costs for other categories are adjusted based on the user’s country of origin.

Meta will implement another pricing change on July 1, 2025 to simplify and enhance the value of utility and authentication messages. Utility and authentication rates will be updated in select markets to be comparable with other communication channels.

A volume tier system will also be introduced for utility and authentication, meaning that the higher the message volume, the lower the cost per message.

Please note that to use the WhatsApp Business API, you need to work with a Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as Mekari Qontak.

The BSP will then help you manage payments to Meta, including paying for WhatsApp API usage to Meta on a monthly basis. Each BSP offers different pricing.

Latest WhatsApp Business API Price List

As mentioned earlier, Meta differentiates WhatsApp Business API pricing based on 4 categories, as follows:

1. Marketing Conversation

The marketing message category includes conversations regarding promotions, informative updates, or invitations for customers to respond or take further action.

This type of conversation is generally initiated by businesses, which send message templates such as the following examples:

• “Thank you for your order! Use code SAVE20 for 20% off your next order!”
• “This is Vinny’s Bakery and we’re now on WhatsApp!”
• “Hello, welcome to our WhatsApp profile!”
• “I apologize for the delay, my name is XX. How can I help you?”
• “We will be closed next Monday for the holiday.”
• “Great news! The product you saved is back in stock.”
• “Forgot something? We’re holding your items — click to review.

2. Utility Conversation

Utility conversations inform customers about the status of an ongoing transaction.

This category facilitates specific requests or transactions, such as transaction confirmations, transaction updates, and/or post-purchase notifications.

Below are examples of utility conversation templates commonly used by businesses:

• “Your order #0021 has been confirmed.”
• “Thank you for your reservation! See you next week.”
• “Your payment has been received! We hope you enjoy the concert!”
• “You have successfully checked in! Here is your boarding pass for your flight.”
• “Your order has been shipped! It will be delivered on Friday.”
• “Reminder: Your appointment is at 1:00 PM on Tuesday.”
• “Here is the monthly report you requested.”
• “Your payment failed — click here to try again.”
• “Your payment has been received.” / “Your payment has failed.”

3. Authentication Conversation

As the name suggests, authentication conversations are used to send one-time passcodes during login attempts (e.g., account verification, account recovery, integrity challenges). The codes commonly used typically consist of 4 to 8 digits.

This category is subject to two different rates based on the destination country — one for local recipients and one for international recipients. Meta has already set different pricing for the international authentication category using a per-conversation scheme up to this point.

Here is how to activate authentication conversations on WhatsApp:

1. Use the pre-configured WhatsApp authentication message template, which includes optional add-ons such as a security disclaimer and an expiration notice.
2. Customize the one-time passcode button (choose to copy the code or use a one-tap option).
3. Adhere to content restrictions: The use of URLs, media, or emojis is not permitted within the content or parameters of the authentication template. Each parameter is limited to a maximum of 15 characters.

After that, customers will receive an authentication message such as the following examples:

• “{{1}} is your verification code.”
• “{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.”
• “{{1}} is your verification code. This code will expire in 15 minutes.”

4. Service Conversation

A service conversation begins when you respond to a message from a customer for customer service purposes, and at that point, there is no open conversation of any other category between you and that customer.

Example: A customer sends you a message for customer service purposes. You then reply to the customer freely within the 24-hour window.

During that period, if none of the other three conversation types are involved, the interaction is classified as a service-based conversation.

Get the Best WhatsApp Business API Pricing with Mekari Qontak!

Mekari Qontak offers the best WhatsApp Business API pricing in accordance with Meta’s guidelines, along with a comprehensive feature set and a variety of attractive packages. 

Their Pro package includes 1,000 free message deliveries for service conversations each month, as well as a WhatsApp Balance of IDR 175,000 for other conversation types.

Benefits of Using WhatsApp Business API Mekari Qontak:

• Transparent pricing: Aligned with Meta’s guidelines, with no hidden fees.
• Comprehensive features: CRM integration, chatbot, analytics reports, and more.
• Guaranteed security: ISO 27001 certified.
• Expert support: Free consultation with Mekari Qontak’s team of specialists.

Use Mekari Qontak’s free WhatsApp Pricing Calculator to estimate your WhatsApp Business API costs based on your specific business needs.

WhatsApp Business API pricing is determined by 4 categories that are tailored to the country of both the business and the customer initiating the conversation. You can get the best WhatsApp Business API pricing exclusively at Mekari Qontak.

Consult your business needs with Mekari Qontak’s expert for free by contacting us.

Reference

• Pricing Updates on the WhatsApp Business Platform