Why do I need a payment method?
WhatsApp lets you reply to customers for free within 24 hours of their last message. But if you want to send template messages (also called broadcasts) — like order updates, shipping notifications, or marketing campaigns — Meta charges you per message.
Rates depend on the message category and the customer's country code:
- Marketing — promotions, offers, abandoned cart messages
- Utility — order confirmations, shipping updates, billing statements
- Authentication — one-time passwords, verification codes
Without a payment method on file, Meta will block your template messages from going out.
Every WhatsApp Business account gets 1,000 free service conversations per month (customer-initiated), so regular replies won't cost you anything.
How to add a payment method
- Go to Meta Business Suite
- Click Settings (bottom left)
- Go to Accounts → WhatsApp accounts
- Select your WhatsApp Business account
- Click Payment settings → Add payment method
- Add your credit or debit card
- Done — Meta will charge this card based on your template message usage
Good to know
- You're only charged for template messages you initiate outside the 24-hour window. Replies within the window are free.
- Pricing varies by country — sending a message to someone in Germany costs differently than someone in Brazil. Check Meta's pricing page for current rates.
- Messages sent through click-to-WhatsApp ads get a 72-hour free window instead of 24 hours.
Need help? Email karri@commslayer.com