Billable vs. Non-Billable Messages
Some messages generate costs while others are free on the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Billable Messages
The only billable messages on the WhatsApp Business Platform are template messages. Templates must be pre-approved by Meta and are charged according to their assigned category.
Template Categories & Billing
Marketing – Always billable, unless sent during a Free Entry Point window.
Utility – Free inside a Customer Service Window, billable outside.
Authentication – Always billable, unless sent during a Free Entry Point window.
Billing always follows the category assigned by Meta. If a template is approved as Marketing, it will be billed at Marketing rates, even if your intended use is Utility or Authentication.
For more details, see the Templates section.
Non-Billable Messages
Non-billable messages are free-form messages sent inside a Customer Service Window or during a Free Entry Point window.
Rules for Non-Billable Messages
Only allowed inside an open Customer Service Window.
Always free of charge when allowed.
Blocked outside the Customer Service Window.
Examples of Non-Billable Messages:
Text replies
Images, videos, audio, voice notes
Documents (PDF, Excel, Word, etc.)
Location pins
Contacts
Interactive messages (buttons, lists, catalogs)
For more details, see the Message Types section.
Billable vs Non-Billable Messages
Marketing Template
✅ Yes (unless inside Free Entry Point)
❌ No
Utility Template
✅ Yes (outside Customer Service Window)
✅ Free inside Customer Service Window / Free Entry Point
Authentication Template
✅ Yes (unless inside Free Entry Point)
❌ No
Free-form Message
❌ No
✅ Free inside Customer Service Window / Free Entry Point
Need Help?
For any issues with Pix or Boleto payments, contact the 360Dialog Support Team via Partner Hub.
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