Are replies to customers free on the WhatsApp API?
Updated 30 September 2026
Until 30 September 2026, yes. From 1 October 2026 each number gets 1,000 free replies a month, then replies are charged at the utility rate, ₹0.115 in India.
- A reply is a free-form message you send inside the 24-hour window that opens when a customer messages you.
- Utility templates sent inside the window were also free until 30 September 2026. From 1 October 2026 they are charged at the utility rate.
- The free 1,000 is shared by the number and doesn't roll over. With no payment method on file, replies stop after it.
- After that a reply costs the utility rate for the customer's country: ₹0.115 India, AED 0.0576 UAE, US$0.0034 US and Canada.
- Messages customers send you are always free. Chats from a click-to-WhatsApp ad are free for up to 7 days.
Keep WhatsApp message costs clear
Menuthere sends your order updates on WhatsApp from your own number. Meta bills its per-message fee to your own account and Menuthere takes no cut. The cost calculator shows what each order adds up to.
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Sources (2)
- Pricing on the WhatsApp Business Platform, Meta for Developers, updated 28 September 2026
- WhatsApp Business Platform changelog, Meta for Developers, entries of 28 and 29 September 2026