What are WhatsApp Conversations? How are they charged in WhatsApp Business API

3 min. read

Last update: 30.01.2026

In 2026, WhatsApp Business API uses a conversation-based pricing model. Businesses are billed for each 24-hour conversation window, not individual messages. This change simplifies billing and accurately reflects customer engagement.

Understanding this structure is crucial for managing costs effectively while maintaining excellent customer communication through Chat Mitra.

2026 WhatsApp Conversation Pricing

Conversation Category	Meta Charges	Chat Mitra Fee	Total per 24-hour window
Marketing	₹0.86	₹0.2	₹1.06
Utility	₹0.11	₹0.2	₹0.31
Authentication	₹0.145	₹0.2	₹0.345
Service	Free*	₹0.2	₹0.2

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 charges are FREE, but 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. Charged at ₹1.06 per 24-hour conversation.

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. Charged at ₹0.345 per 24-hour conversation.

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. Charged at ₹0.31 per 24-hour conversation.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly constitutes a WhatsApp Conversation?

A Conversation is defined as an interaction within a 24-hour window where either the business initiates contact or responds to a user's message. Incoming messages from users are FREE; charges apply only when the business replies using a template message.

What are WhatsApp Conversational Credits and how do they work?

Conversational Credits are billing units deducted when a new conversation is initiated outside an active 24-hour window. Whether started by a customer or business using pre-approved templates, each new interaction consumes one credit.

How much do WhatsApp Business API conversations cost in 2026?

Marketing: ₹1.06 (Meta ₹0.86 + Chat Mitra ₹0.20). Utility: ₹0.31 (Meta ₹0.11 + Chat Mitra ₹0.20). Authentication: ₹0.345 (Meta ₹0.145 + Chat Mitra ₹0.20). Service: ₹0.20 (Meta Free + Chat Mitra ₹0.20).

How can I monitor and manage my WhatsApp conversation usage effectively?

Use the WhatsApp Business API dashboard or Chat Mitra's analytics tools to track conversation counts, analyze costs by category, and optimize your messaging strategy to stay within budget.