Are WhatsApp group messages charged per member?
Updated 30 September 2026
Yes, on the Groups API. Meta charges each time a billable message is delivered to a member of the group, at that member's country rate.
- Meta's example: a marketing template delivered to all 5 members is 5 charges. Delivered to only 4, you pay for 4.
- Each member's country calling code sets that member's rate, so a mixed group can cost a different amount per member.
- From 1 October 2026 normal (non-template) group messages use the shared 1,000 free service messages a month, one unit per delivered member, then are charged.
- The Groups API needs an Official Business Account and a number used with the Cloud API, not the Business app. Groups are invite-only.
- Groups in the free WhatsApp Business app carry no per-message fee.
Message your customers without running a group
Menuthere sends broadcasts and comeback messages to your customers from your own WhatsApp Business number, so there is no group to set up or manage. Meta bills its per-message fee to your account; Menuthere takes no cut.
Next questions
Sources (4)
- Groups API pricing, Meta for Developers, updated 10 September 2026
- Pricing on the WhatsApp Business Platform, Meta for Developers, updated 28 September 2026
- Get started with Groups API, Meta for Developers, updated 21 May 2026
- WhatsApp Business app and Platform, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
