What are WhatsApp Conversations? How are they charged in WhatsApp Business API
In 2026 there are two units on your WhatsApp Business API bill, and they are not the same unit. Meta charges per delivered message — its per-conversation pricing ended on 1 July 2025. Chat Mitra charges one ₹0.20 credit per 24-hour conversation window, however many messages pass through that window.
Understanding this structure is crucial for managing costs effectively while maintaining excellent customer communication through Chat Mitra.
2026 WhatsApp Conversation Pricing
| Conversation Category | Meta, per delivered message | Chat Mitra, per 24-hour conversation | Total for 1 message (N = 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | ₹0.86 | ₹0.2 | ₹1.06 |
| Utility | ₹0.11 | ₹0.2 | ₹0.31 |
| Authentication | ₹0.11 | ₹0.2 | ₹0.31 |
| Service | First 1,000/month free, then ₹0.115 | ₹0.2 | ₹0.2 ₹0.315 after the free 1,000 |
The two charge columns are billed in different units, so the last column is a worked example rather than a flat price: it is a window carrying exactly one delivered message (N = 1).
Cost of a 24-hour window = (N × Meta's per-message rate) + ₹0.20
N is the number of billable messages Meta delivers inside that window, and Meta charges for every one of them. Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 conversation credit is charged once, when the window opens, and not again for the messages that follow inside it.
Types of WhatsApp Conversations (2026)
User-Initiated Conversations (Service)
When a user sends a message and the business replies within 24 hours using free-form messages. Meta gives the first 1,000 service messages each month free; after that, each one costs ₹0.115. Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 platform fee applies.
Example:
"Hi! How can we help you today? Our support team is ready to assist."
Business-Initiated Conversations
These begin when a business sends the first message using pre-approved templates. Charges apply immediately based on template category.
1. Marketing Category
Promotional messages, offers, product announcements, and abandoned cart reminders. Meta charges ₹0.86 for each marketing message it delivers; with Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 conversation credit, a window carrying one marketing message costs ₹1.06.
Example:
"Hello! Enjoy 30% off on our latest collection. Reply 'YES' to claim your offer!"
2. Authentication Category
OTPs, verification codes, account recovery, and security alerts. Meta charges ₹0.11 for each authentication message it delivers; with Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 conversation credit, a window carrying one authentication message costs ₹0.31.
Example:
"Your verification code is 1024. Use this to securely log into your Chat Mitra account."
3. Utility Category
Transactional messages like order confirmations, shipping updates, and payment receipts. Meta charges ₹0.11 for each utility message it delivers; with Chat Mitra's ₹0.20 conversation credit, a window carrying one utility message costs ₹0.31.
Example:
"Good news! Your order has been dispatched and is on its way. Track using the provided tracking number."
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WhatsApp Business API conversations and billing.
