The tech giant will start billing official platform users for service and utility messages
Meta will start charging companies using the official WhatsApp Business Platform for service and utility messages beginning October 1, 2026. The update applies to customer service replies within the 24-hour window. Standard app users remain unaffected, but corporate users must add payment methods before September 30.
Meta will introduce new costs for corporate WhatsApp users on October 1, 2026. The company outlined these pricing changes in a July 2026 platform update.
This policy targets companies managing massive customer chats via the official API. Ordinary chatters will not face any new fees. Most small shops using the standard mobile app will also escape the charges.
Service and utility fees
Right now, a 24-hour free reply window opens when a buyer texts a brand. Brands can send free service and utility texts during this time.
That system ends next month. Meta will soon charge per message for these specific replies. The tech firm explained the new rules in its developer notes.
”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 parent company wrote in the official documentation.
Utility texts include payment receipts and delivery alerts. Order updates also fall under this exact billing category.
”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.” The social media firm added.
Strict payment deadlines
Meta issued a strong warning to all platform solution providers. Companies must link a valid card to avoid system disruptions. The firm wants active payment methods ready before September ends.
”For any Solution Provider or directly-integrated businesses that does not have a payment method on file by September 30, 2026, Meta will stop delivering service messages as of when they become charged on October 1, 2026.” Meta warned users ahead of the upcoming rollout.
Meta bought the chat app for $19 billion in 2014. The tech giant continues finding new ways to generate revenue from corporate users.
Nigerian companies face specific local costs under this new billing system. Each chargeable utility text will cost around $0.0101. This price equals roughly ₦14 based on current exchange rates.
