What does the WhatsApp Business Platform cost?
🚨 Find the official Meta WhatsApp-Business-Platform-pricing here and here! 🚨
Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the WhatsApp Business Platform is not available free of charge due to its range of functions and focus on data protection and GRDP-Compliance. Furthermore, the pricing differs from the WhatsApp Business Platform due to the "conversational billing" of the WhatsApp Business Platform.
🟢 User-Initiated (Free Service Conversations)
These are conversations started by the user - for example, when a customer sends a message like: “Where is my order?”
Key Details:
A 24-hour support window is opened from the moment the user sends the first message
Free of charge - Meta does not bill for any messages sent within the 24-hour service window initiated by the user
Within this window, your business can respond freely using text, images and more
No templates are needed for replies within this window.
Messages can be sent manually through the chat or automatically within a flow (via the “Send Message” step)
During an open window, you'll see this indicator in your chat view:
🟡 Business-Initiated Conversations (Template Required)
These conversations are started by the business, typically for proactive updates like:
Shipping notifications, Promotional messages, etc.
Key Details:
Pre-approved templates are required to start a conversation outside the 24-hour window
You can send templates through:
Automated flows
Chat replies (if outside the 24h window)
Promo campaigns
As of July 1st, 2025, every sent template incurs a charge - even follow-ups within the same category
Before sending, all templates must be created and approved in the Templates section
When the 24h window is closed, you’ll see this indicator in the chat view:
Understanding Meta Messaging Costs for WhatsApp
When using WhatsApp via Chatarmin, it's important to know that Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) handles the billing for all message-related costs. Charges are based on conversation type, not individual messages, and are billed directly by Meta, not by Chatarmin.
💸 Cost:
Each template message is billed by Meta, and pricing depends on the message type (e.g., marketing, utility) and the recipient’s country: WhatsApp Pricing Calculator
💳 Transparent Billing with Chatarmin
At Chatarmin, we value full transparency:
All messaging costs are billed directly by Meta to the credit card associated with your WhatsApp Business Account.
You will not be charged extra by Chatarmin.
You can review all your message costs anytime in your Meta Business Manager:
Go to Meta Business Manager
Free Entry Point Window (72h)
If a customer starts a conversation from a Click-to-WhatsApp Ad or a Facebook Page button, Meta grants a 72-hour free messaging window. Within this timeframe:
You can send template messages and free-form messages without charges
You must respond within 24 hours of the user’s first message to unlock the window
This feature is perfect for retargeting ad campaigns and lead generation.
Where to find Meta Invoices
To view your Meta invoices, navigate to your WhatsApp Accounts and click on "Payment Settings".
After opening the Payment Settings, you can access your invoice details by clicking on "Invoices" and "Payment History".
