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How does WhatsApp charge for conversations?

WhatsApp Conversation-Based Pricing


WhatsApp uses a conversation-based pricing model for businesses. Instead of charging per message, WhatsApp charges per 24-hour conversation window between your business and the customer.



1. What is a Conversation?


A conversation begins when your business sends a message (template or service) and is valid for 24 hours from delivery.


  • If another message is sent within that window, no extra charge applies.
  • If 24 hours pass without a reply, sending a new message starts a new paid conversation.



2. Conversation Categories & Pricing


WhatsApp charges different rates based on the type of conversation:


  • Marketing Conversations – Promotional messages, offers, announcements. Price: ₹0.86 per conversation
  • Utility Conversations – Transactional messages like order updates, reminders. Price: ₹0.13 per conversation
  • Authentication Conversations – One-time passwords (OTPs) and login verifications. Price: ₹0.13 per conversation



3. Free Tier Conversations


  • Each WhatsApp Business Account receives 1,000 free service conversations per month.
  • The free tier applies across all phone numbers in the account.
  • Free quota resets monthly.



4. Extended Conversation Windows


  • Standard window: 24 hours from message delivery
  • If opened via a free entry point (e.g., click-to-WhatsApp ad, WhatsApp call-to-action button), the conversation can extend to 72 hours.



5. When Does a Conversation Open?


  • Template Message Sent: Opens a marketing, utility, or authentication conversation (depending on template category).
  • Non-Template (Service) Message Sent: Opens a service conversation (free or paid, depending on quota).



Example


  • You send an OTP (authentication conversation) at 10:00 AM.
  • Customer responds at 11:00 AM.
  • You reply at 2:00 PM — still within 24 hours, no extra charge.
  • At 10:01 AM next day, a new message triggers a new paid conversation.



Need Help?


For detailed pricing or billing queries, contact our support team:


Updated on: 21/09/2025