Meta to charge WhatsApp Business API users for messages from October 2026

Meta is implementing significant pricing changes for the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) effective October 1, 2026. These updates target commercial entities, such as banks, e-commerce platforms, and large enterprises, rather than individual users. Regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app users will not be charged for personal messaging.

Under the new structure, businesses will be charged for certain types of messages that were previously free within the 24-hour customer service window. This includes “utility messages,” such as order confirmations, delivery updates, and appointment reminders, as well as “service messages” (customer support replies) that exceed a specific monthly quota.

Each business phone number will receive a monthly allowance of 1,000 free service messages. Once this limit is surpassed, Meta will charge per delivered message. Rates vary by country and market; for example, in India, utility and service messages will incur specific per-message costs, while in Indonesia, the rate for service messages after the free tier is approximately Rp356.65. The changes aim to monetize the high volume of professional communication occurring on the platform.