How are businesses charged for outbound conversations?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"For outbound conversations, WhatsApp uses a conversation-based pricing model. This means that WhatsApp charges for each conversation, whether initiated by the business (Business Initiated Conversation/BIC) or by the user (User-Initiated Conversation/UIC). \n\nThe fee for each conversation depends on the country code of the users, so businesses operating in different countries may incur different costs."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":13185,"3":{"1":0},"10":1,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"Helvetica Neue","16":8}">For outbound conversations, WhatsApp uses a conversation-based pricing model. This means that WhatsApp charges for each conversation, whether initiated by the business (Business Initiated Conversation/BIC) or by the user (User-Initiated Conversation/UIC). The fee for each conversation depends on the country code of the users, so businesses operating in different countries may incur different costs.

WhatsApp Pricing Calculator

Q: What are conversations? How to define conversations?

Conversations in WhatsApp Business API refer to interactions between a business and a user or customer that last 24 hours. This 24-hour window begins when the business sends a message to a user or when the business responds to a message from a user. All messages exchanged between the business and the user within these 24 hours are considered part of the same conversation. This means that businesses can send and receive multiple messages within this period without initiating a new conversation.

WhatsApp Message classification

Template messages are a prerequisite for businesses when starting conversations with customers, and charges vary based on the designated conversation category.

User-initiated (UI) conversation: customer sends chat to business first
Does not require template approval from Meta
Does not require customers opt-in to be able to send or receive messages

Business-initiated (BI) conversation: business sends message to customers first
Messages such as: promotions, updates, invitations, transactions, etc.
Require template approval from Meta – make sure to submit 1×24 before sending

Business-initiated (BI) conversation: business sends message to customers first
Messages such as: specific transaction, confirmation, suspension or changes to a purchase
Require template approval from Meta – make sure to submit 1×24 before sending

Business-initiated (BI) conversation: business sends message to customers first
Messages such as: OTPs, account verification, recovery, reset password notifications, etc
Require template approval from Meta – make sure to submit 1×24 before sending

Country or region Countries not listed are included under "other” countries and are charged the same fees.

Service Conversations Rate USD0

USD / 24 hours

1000 Conversations

1000 10.000+

Marketing Conversations Rate USD0

USD / 24 hours

0 Conversations

0 10.000+

Utility Conversations Rate USD0

USD / 24 hours

0 Conversations

0 10.000+

Authentication Conversations Rate USD0

USD / 24 hours

0 Conversations

0 10.000+

Estimated/Total

(Includes 1,000 Free User-Initiated Conversations)

FREE

To gain additional insight into the pricing structure.

Request more details

What is a conversation?

A conversation on WhatsApp refers to an interaction or engagement between a business and a customer. It begins when a message is sent and continues for 24 hours.

All messages exchanged are considered part of the same conversation during this time. However, a new conversation starts if a message is sent after the 24-hour window has elapsed, and charges may apply accordingly.

A User-Initiated Conversation (UIC) is when a customer initiates a conversation by sending a message to the business. This can include inquiries, questions, or any form of communication initiated by the user.

A Business-Initiated Conversation (BIC) is a conversation initiated by a business sending a message to a user outside the 24-hour customer service window. This allows businesses to reach out to customers with relevant updates, information, or promotional messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Conversation-Based Pricing on the WhatsApp Business Platform?

Conversation-Based Pricing refers to a pricing model where businesses are charged based on the number of 24-hour conversations they have with their customers.

Each conversation begins with the first message sent and lasts for 24 hours. WhatsApp charges businesses based on the type of conversation, such as utility, authentication, marketing, or service conversations.

WhatsApp us Get free trial

WhatsApp Business Platform Conversations occur between businesses and their customers on the WhatsApp platform. A conversation starts when a message is sent and lasts for 24 hours.

All messages exchanged within this timeframe are considered part of the same conversation. Conversations can be initiated by either the user or the business.

Conversations in WhatsApp Business API refer to interactions between a business and a user or customer that last 24 hours. This 24-hour window begins when the business sends a message to a user or when the business responds to a message from a user.

All messages exchanged between the business and the user within these 24 hours are considered part of the same conversation. This means that businesses can send and receive multiple messages within this period without initiating a new conversation.

These are special types of conversations that businesses are not charged for when they are initiated by customers using specific call-to-action buttons.

These buttons can be found on ads that click on WhatsApp or Facebook Page call-to-action buttons. Once a free entry-point conversation is initiated, it will remain open for 72 hours, regardless of how many templates of different categories the business sends.

This means businesses can communicate with their customers freely during this period without incurring additional charges.

Regarding charges for inbound conversations, it’s important to note that all incoming user messages are free. Businesses are only charged if they respond to the user’s message.

This means businesses can receive as many customer messages as they want without incurring costs. Still, they will be charged for each response they send.

For outbound conversations, WhatsApp uses a conversation-based pricing model. This means that WhatsApp charges for each conversation, whether initiated by the business (Business Initiated Conversation/BIC) or by the user (User-Initiated Conversation/UIC).

The fee for each conversation depends on the country code of the users, so businesses operating in different countries may incur different costs.

The cost of using WhatsApp Business API for your business can be calculated based on several factors. These include the number of conversations you intend to send and receive and the type of category (Marketing, Utility, Authentication, Service).

However, you can use online tools like Qontak’s WhatsApp Business API Pricing Calculator above to help you estimate these costs based on your specific needs.

Mekari Qontak is the official WhatsApp BSP (Business Solution Provider), which provides the WhatsApp Business API and various advanced WhatsApp features to maximize your business communications.

WhatsApp provides each Business Account with 1,000 free monthly service conversations as part of its pricing model. This means businesses can have up to 1,000 conversations with their customers monthly without incurring charges.