WhatsApp Pricing Update
Effective on 1 Oct 2026
Starting 1 October 2026, Meta is changing how WhatsApp Business API messages are priced. Here's what's changing, why, and what you can do to prepare.
What's changing
Meta is introducing per-message charges for service messages and utility templates sent within the 24-hour customer service window. Both are currently free.
1,000 Free Monthly Service Messages: Meta is introducing a monthly free tier. Every phone number will receive 1,000 free service messages each month. Charges will only apply starting from your 1,001st service message. (Note: Free allowances refresh monthly and do not roll over).
Regional Rate Adjustments: Meta is updating standard rates across select international markets. Because of these Meta adjustments, Omnichat will adjust our corresponding rates for "Rest of Asia" and "Non-Asia".
Within the 24-hour customer service window :
Service message (free-form)
Free to send
1,000 free service messages. Charged per message, starting from your 1,001st service message
Utility template
Free to send
Charged per template
Marketing template
Charged per template
Charged per template (no change)
Authentication template
Charged per template
Charged per template (no change)
Outside the 24-hour window, only templates can be sent, as before.
Why this is changing
This is a global policy update from Meta, not a change to your Omnichat subscription. It applies to every business using the WhatsApp Business API, regardless of which platform they use to send messages.
What you can do to prepare
Review your service message volume, communication channels and strategy, Omnichat offers a range of communication channels and can consider moving low value conversations to alternate channels.
Review your chatbot flow to consolidate steps into fewer, higher-value messages.
Update frontline and AI agents guideline to give them clear rules on when and what to reply.
Adjust quick reply template in order to combine multiple quick replies into fewer messages where possible.
Collect information with WhatsApp flow.
Make full use of the 72-hour Free Entry Point by planning timely follow-ups within 72 hours of a customer's ad click.
Consider switching to Coexistence, so your team can keep messaging for free through the WhatsApp Business App.
Need help?
Reach out to your Omnichat account manager or our customer support team for further assistance.
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