Meta to charge businesses for WhatsApp service messages from Oct 1 – Chronicle NG

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, will begin charging businesses for customer-service messages sent through the WhatsApp Business Platform from October 1, 2026. The company will also introduce charges for utility messages sent in response to users within an open 24-hour customer-service window. The changes mean businesses that rely on WhatsApp for customer support and automated communications will face additional operational costs. According to a notice on the WhatsApp Business Platform, Meta said it would introduce per-message charges for service messages, which have been free since November 1, 2024. “Effective October 1, 2026, Meta will charge on a per-message basis for all service messages, consistent with how Meta charges for template messages. These messages have not been charged since November 1, 2024,” the company said. Meta also announced charges for utility messages sent while the 24-hour customer-service window remains open. “Effective October 1, 2026, Meta will charge on a per-message basis for utility messages sent in response to users (within an open 24-hour customer service window). These messages have not been charged since July 1, 2025.” WhatsApp rolls out new security features to protect accounts Service messages are non-template replies sent by businesses after customers initiate conversations. Utility messages, meanwhile
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