Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Meta to Charge WhatsApp Business Service Messages From October 1
Meta is changing how some businesses pay to message customers on WhatsApp.
Starting October 1, 2026, businesses will pay for each delivered service message.
These are usually replies sent during a 24-hour customer-service period after a customer contacts a business.
Some utility messages sent during that period will also cost money.
The price will depend on the market where the business operates.
Businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform must add a payment method by September 30, 2026.
If they do not, Meta may stop delivering their service messages.
Ordinary people can still use WhatsApp without paying, and some messages started through advertisements remain free.
Meta will begin charging for delivered WhatsApp Business service messages on October 1, 2026.
The charges will apply to businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform through Solution Providers or direct integrations.
Businesses must add a payment method by September 30, 2026, or Meta may stop delivering their service messages.
Some utility messages sent during an open 24-hour customer-service window will also become chargeable.
Regular WhatsApp users will not be charged, and messages from advertisement-created conversations remain free during the entry-point window.
- Who
- Businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform, including those working through Solution Providers or direct integrations, will be affected.
- What
- Meta will begin charging for delivered service messages and certain utility messages.
- When
- The changes take effect October 1, 2026; payment methods must be added by September 30, 2026.
- Where
- The charges apply in markets where businesses use the WhatsApp Business Platform, with rates varying by market.
- Why
- Meta is moving previously free business messaging services into its paid WhatsApp Business messaging system.
- Effective date
- October 1, 2026
- Payment deadline
- September 30, 2026
- Messages affected
- Delivered service messages and certain utility messages sent during an open customer-service window
- Pricing basis
- Rates will align with applicable utility and authentication rates in each market
- Billing method
- Meta will charge for delivered messages rather than attempted messages
- Businesses affected
- WhatsApp Business Platform users with Solution Provider or direct integrations
- Unaffected users
- Regular WhatsApp users will not be charged for sending messages