We’re sharing an important update regarding WhatsApp Business API pricing, following the latest per-message pricing changes announced by Meta.
The revised WhatsApp per message pricing will be effective starting January 1, 2026, and will be reflected across the AiSensy platform from the same date.
Update: New Pricing from 1 October 2026 ● Service messages are now chargeable after 1,000 free per WhatsApp Business number each month. ● From the 1,001st delivered service message, AiSensy charges ₹0.145 per message for Indian numbers. ● Utility templates sent inside the 24-hour customer service window are now charged at the utility rate (₹0.145 in India). ● Marketing (₹1.09) and Authentication (₹0.145) rates in India stay the same. ● Full details: WhatsApp Service Message Pricing Update October 2026 |
What are WhatsApp Conversation Credits (WCC)?
WhatsApp Conversation Credits are consumed whenever a business delivers chargeable messages via the AiSensy platform. This includes Marketing, Utility, and Authentication templates. From 1 October 2026, it also includes service messages beyond the free 1,000 each month and utility templates sent inside the 24-hour customer service window.
Messages covered by the free service message allowance do not consume credits.
WhatsApp conversation credit deduction depends on the message category and the recipient’s country, and is charged strictly based on Meta’s pricing rules.
Read More: WhatsApp Messaging Limits
What are WhatsApp Conversation Credits (WCC)?
WhatsApp Conversation Credits are consumed whenever a business delivers template messages such as Marketing, Utility, Authentication or Service messages via the AiSensy platform.
WhatsApp conversation credit deduction depends on the message category and the recipient’s country, and is charged strictly based on Meta’s pricing rules.
Check: Country-wise AiSensy pricing (Effective 1st October 2026)
WhatsApp Business API Pricing Update
Meta has announced updated pricing for WhatsApp messages across different categories. These changes impact Marketing, Utility, Authentication, and Service messages and apply on a per-message basis.
Updated Pricing for India (Per Message delivered)
- Marketing messages: ₹1.09
- Utility messages: ₹0.145
- Authentication messages: ₹0.145
- Service messages: 1,000 free per number each month, then ₹0.145
Important: WhatsApp Conversation Credits are deducted only when a message is successfully delivered to the user.
Understanding the Customer Service Window
When a user sends a message to your business, a 24-hour customer service window begins. Every new message from the user refreshes this window.
During this active window:
- You can send free-form messages without a template
- Service messages are free up to 1,000 per number each month, then charged per delivered message (from 1 October 2026)
- Utility templates sent within this window are charged at the utility rate (from 1 October 2026)
⚠️ Utility messages are charged at the applicable utility rate for the recipient’s country, whether they are sent inside or outside the active customer service window.
What This Means for AiSensy Users
- The updated WhatsApp message pricing will be reflected on the AiSensy dashboard starting January 1, 2026.
- Charges will be applied automatically based on the message category and the recipient's country.
- From 1 October 2026, service messages are free up to 1,000 per number each month. After that, they are charged per delivered message.
Sign up on AiSensy to know more.
FAQs
Template messages are pre-approved structured messages that businesses use to message users proactively. There are three template categories: Marketing (promotions, offers, reminders), Utility (order updates, payment reminders, delivery info), and Authentication (OTPs and account verification). Service messages are not templates. They are free-form replies sent inside the 24-hour customer service window. Each category has its own per-message price based on the recipient's country.
Two things. Service messages now get 1,000 free per WhatsApp Business number each month, and each delivered service message after that is charged (₹0.145 in India on AiSensy). Utility templates sent inside the 24-hour customer service window are also charged at the utility rate. Marketing and Authentication rates stay the same.
A customer service window is a 24-hour window that starts when a user messages you, and every new user message refreshes it. Within this window, you can send free-form replies without a template. From 1 October 2026, these replies are free up to 1,000 per business number each month, and utility templates sent in the window are charged.
Encourage users to start conversations through Click-to-WhatsApp Ads, since messages inside the eligible 72-hour free entry point window stay free. Answer queries in fewer, complete replies, since each service message beyond the free 1,000 is charged. Reserve paid marketing templates for high-intent campaigns, avoid unnecessary follow-ups, and segment users so templates reach only relevant audiences.
Count how many messages you send per month in each chargeable category: Marketing, Utility (inside and outside the 24-hour window), Authentication, and service messages beyond the free 1,000 per number. Multiply each count by the per-message rate for your users' country and add them up. Example (India): 2,000 Marketing × ₹1.09 = ₹2,180; 1,500 Utility × ₹0.145 = ₹217.50; 800 Authentication × ₹0.145 = ₹116; 2,500 service messages beyond the free 1,000 × ₹0.145 = ₹362.50. Estimated monthly messaging cost = ₹2,876 (plus platform fees, if applicable).
Related resources:
WhatsApp Service Message Pricing Update October 2026
AiSensy Plans & Pricing in Indian Rupee (2026)
AiSensy Plans & Pricing in USD (2026)
How to Calculate ROI from WhatsApp Marketing (FREE Calculator)
WhatsApp Business Platform Pricing by Meta
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