WhatsApp Business Fees Start Today: What's Changing?

Effective October 1, 2026, businesses utilizing the WhatsApp Business Platform will face new messaging charges. Previously, companies could respond to customer inquiries and send updates within a 24-hour window free of charge. This policy is now changing, with Meta introducing fees for certain types of messages.

Specifically, utility messages such as order confirmations and delivery updates will now attract charges, even if sent within the initial 24-hour period. While the first 1,000 service messages per business phone number remain free monthly, subsequent replies will be charged. Marketing and authentication messages also have distinct rates.

The new standard rate for utility messages in India is ₹0.115 per delivered message before an 18% GST, totaling approximately ₹0.136. This marks a significant shift from the previous free-of-charge model for these communication types within the specified window.