The official WhatsApp API, ready to sell
The official WhatsApp API (Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform) lets several agents answer from the same number, message customers first with approved templates and send broadcasts. Here you'll see whether you need it, what Meta charges per message and how to connect it in ChatSales.
The app, the API, or both?
- WhatsApp Business app: free and simple, made for one person or a very small team answering from a phone.
- Official API: your whole team on one number, approved templates to message first, broadcasts, automations and an AI assistant. Meta charges per message.
- Coexistence: connect the API and keep using the app on your phone with the same number.
How Meta charges
Meta charges most delivered messages by category (marketing, utility or authentication) and the customer's country. Since October 1, 2026 it also charges replies inside the 24-hour window, at the utility rate, after 1,000 free a month per number. If a customer messages you from a Click-to-WhatsApp ad on the mobile app and you reply within the first 24 hours, a free window of up to 7 days opens.
WhatsApp API cost →Meta's official per-message rates (USD)
| Country | Marketing | Utility | Authentication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $0.0397 | $0.0085 | $0.0085 |
| Brazil | $0.0625 | $0.0068 | $0.0068 |
| Colombia | $0.0125 | $0.0008 | $0.0008 |
| Argentina | $0.0618 | $0.0260 | $0.0260 |
| Chile | $0.0889 | $0.0200 | $0.0200 |
| Peru | $0.0703 | $0.0300 | $0.0300 |
| US & Canada | $0.0250 | $0.0034 | $0.0034 |
Example: what a shop in Mexico pays Meta in a month
| Promotions (marketing templates) | 300 × US$0.0397 | US$11.91 |
| Order and shipping updates (utility) | 800 × US$0.0085 | US$6.80 |
| Replies to customers within 24 hours | 2,000 × US$0.0085 | US$17.00 |
| Total to Meta per month | US$35.71 |
0% markup on Meta's rates
You pay WhatsApp messages directly to Meta, with your own payment method, at its official rates. ChatSales doesn't resell those messages or add a markup; the ChatSales plan is paid separately.
Markup on Meta fees →How to connect it in ChatSales
- On your Dashboard, under Your integrations, click Connect next to WhatsApp Business API.
- Choose Create and connect a new WhatsApp Business Platform (API) account, or the option to bring your number from the app or another provider.
- Have a number that can receive SMS and your company details ready: trading name, legal name and address.
- Click Connect With Facebook: in Meta's window you pick or create your business account and register your number.
- Add your payment method in Meta and create your first template to message a customer first.
Keep your number healthy
- Message first only customers who agreed to hear from you.
- Use clear, useful templates; Meta tracks how many customers block or report your messages and can limit the number if that rises.
- Reply fast inside the 24-hour window: it costs less than a marketing template and it's what sells best.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Meta Business account?
Yes. During the connection you pick one or create a new one. It must belong to your company.
Can I use my current number?
Yes. You can move it to the API or, to keep using the app on your phone, connect it with coexistence.
What is the 24-hour window?
When a customer messages you, you have 24 hours to reply with any message. After that, you can only message them with an approved template.
Does the API stop my number from being blocked?
It's the official connection, so it doesn't expose you to the bans that hit unofficial apps. But Meta can still limit a number if many customers block or report its messages: only message people who agreed to it.
What does it cost in total?
Two parts: what Meta charges per message (see the example above) and your ChatSales plan, from US$29 a month. You can try it free, no card.
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