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WhatsApp Business Messaging to Charge 14 Paisa Per Message from October 1: Who Pays?
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News18•30-09-2026, 16:12
WhatsApp Business Messaging to Charge 14 Paisa Per Message from October 1: Who Pays?
- •From October 1, 2026, companies using the WhatsApp Business Platform will be charged approximately 14 paisa per message for certain types of messages.
- •This change will impact Utility Messages, including those sent within the 24-hour free window after a customer initiates contact, which were previously free.
- •The new charges apply to businesses, banks, online shopping platforms, and large startups, not general WhatsApp users.
- •Messages like order status, delivery updates, and OTPs fall under this Business Messaging system.
- •In India, Meta will charge 0.115 rupees (11.5 paisa) per delivered Utility Message, which amounts to approximately 14 paisa with 18% GST.
Key Questions Answered
Starting October 1, 2026, companies will have to pay charges for certain messages sent on the WhatsApp Business Platform, including Utility Messages sent within the previously free 24-hour customer service window.
No, general WhatsApp users will not be affected and will not have to pay any charges for chatting with friends, family, or business accounts.
In India, Meta has set a charge of 0.115 rupees (11.5 paisa) per delivered Utility Message, which comes to approximately 14 paisa per message after including an 18% GST.
