Chapter 25 · Part 4
About WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API (WABA) lets you reach customers on the app they already use every day — for notifications, one-time passcodes, promotions, and two-way support, all from inside iSMS.
Why WhatsApp
With billions of active users and very high open rates, WhatsApp is a powerful channel for both transactional messages and conversations. In iSMS, you manage it under WhatsApp Business API in the left menu.
The four message categories
Every WhatsApp message falls into one of four categories. The first three use pre-approved templates; the last is free-form.
Marketing
Promotions, offers, informational updates, and invitations for customers to respond or act. Template · charged per message.
Utility
Transaction confirmations, updates, and post-purchase notifications tied to an agreed action. Template · charged per message.
Authentication
One-time passcodes (OTP) for account verification, recovery, and integrity checks. Template · charged per message.
Service
Two-way conversations to resolve customer inquiries and give real-time support. Free-form · charged per 24-hour session.
How messages are charged
Each category follows one of two billing models:
- Per messageMarketing, Utility, and Authentication — each message sent is counted and billed separately.
- Per 24-hour sessionService — one charge covers unlimited two-way messaging within that 24-hour customer-service window.
Pricing varies by destination country — contact your account manager for a quote.