WhatsApp Business API pricing in India, 2026
Meta charges per delivered message in India: about ₹0.86 for marketing and ₹0.115 for utility, authentication and (from October 2026) service messages beyond 1,000 free per number. Providers often add 10–30% on top. This guide shows the rate card and how to estimate your bill.
Meta's India rate card
| Message type | Meta rate (India) |
|---|---|
| Marketing | ₹0.8631 |
| Utility | ₹0.115 |
| Authentication | ₹0.115 |
| Service (beyond 1,000 free a month) | ₹0.115 from 1 October 2026 |
WhatsApp Business API pricing is per delivered message. GST at 18% is added on top.
What changed in 2026
- Marketing messages rose about 10% on 1 January 2026
- From 1 October 2026, service replies beyond 1,000 free per number each month are charged
- Utility messages inside the 24-hour window are charged again from 1 October 2026
- Indian accounts must move to INR billing by 31 December 2026
What providers add on top
Many WhatsApp platforms add 10–30% over Meta's rate, or charge a per-message platform fee. Compare the effective price per message, not just the monthly plan.
Example monthly bills
20,000 marketing and 10,000 utility messages cost about ₹18,412 at Meta's rates, or about ₹21,726 with GST. With a 20% provider markup the same volume costs about ₹26,070 with GST.
How to cut your WhatsApp bill
- Use utility templates for genuine order and appointment updates
- Answer customer questions inside the free service allowance
- Send marketing only to engaged, segmented audiences
- Choose a provider that bills Meta's rate at cost
Put it to work
Knowing this is step one. The next step is acting on it every day without adding headcount. See how WhatsApp Marketing does that, or book a 20-minute demo.
FAQs
How much does WhatsApp Business API cost per message in India?
About ₹0.86 per marketing message and ₹0.115 per utility, authentication or paid service message, plus 18% GST.
Are WhatsApp service messages free?
The first 1,000 service messages per number each month are free. From 1 October 2026, replies beyond that cost about ₹0.115 each.
Do providers mark up Meta's price?
AI calling runs from ₹3 to ₹10 per connected minute*. Starter (₹3) and Growth (₹6) are prepaid packs of 5,000 minutes; Custom (₹8) and Enterprise (₹10) are custom builds. *Rates may vary based on client requirements.