WhatsApp Business Messages to Become Chargeable from Oct 1
The first 1,000 service messages will be free of charge every month following which a fee will be charged for every message sent
UdaipurTimes, Sept 30, 2026 - Starting October 1, 2026, Meta will charge companies for customer-service messages sent through the WhatsApp Business Platform. Henceforth, free service and bill specific utility messages will now become chargeable.
According to information available, currently companies have a 24-hour window after receiving a customer’s message during which they can send free replies. Now, a separate charge will be levied for every service message sent during this period as well. Messages such as order confirmations and delivery updates will no longer be free.
However, each business number will receive the first 1,000 service messages free of charge every month. After that, a fee will be charged for every message sent by an employee or chatbot. According to the information, companies will not be charged for messages sent by customers to the business.
The new rule will not apply to regular WhatsApp or the free WhatsApp Business app designed for small businesses.
Meta has said, “For any Solution Provider or directly-integrated businesses that does not have a payment method on file by September 30, 2026, Meta will stop delivering service messages as of when they become charged on October 1, 2026.”
With Media Inputs
