Meta WhatsApp Cloud API: Charges & Setup Guide
WhatsApp messages are billed directly by Meta per 24-hour conversation window. SEE IN CRM integrates directly with Meta Cloud API with 0% middleman markup.
Official Meta Conversation Charges (Per 24-Hour Window)
Charges occur only once per 24-hour conversation window. Inside an open 24-hour window, you can send unlimited messages to that contact for free.
| Conversation Category | Estimated Cost (India - INR) | Estimated Cost (US/Global - USD) | Description & Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | ≈ ₹0.78 / conv | ≈ $0.0105 | Promotions, discount offers, abandoned cart recovery, seasonal sales, announcements. |
| Utility | ≈ ₹0.12 / conv | ≈ $0.0050 | Order confirmations, tracking updates, delivery milestones, payment receipts, appointment reminders. |
| Authentication (OTP) | ≈ ₹0.12 / conv | ≈ $0.0050 | One-time passcodes, login verifications, password resets, account recovery codes. |
| Service (User-Initiated) | FREE (1,000 / mo) | FREE | When a customer messages you first, answering their questions within 24 hours is 100% free! Meta includes 1,000 free service conversations per month. |
How to Connect Your WhatsApp Number to SEE IN CRM (Step-by-Step)
- 1Create a Meta Developer Account
Visit developers.facebook.com and sign in with your Facebook account. Click My Apps → Create App.
- 2Select “Other” → “Business” App Type
Select Business as the app type, name your app (e.g. “SEE IN CRM Messaging”), and connect it to your Meta Business Portfolio.
- 3Add WhatsApp Product to Your App
In your app dashboard, scroll down to WhatsApp and click Set Up. On the “Quickstart” screen, Meta provides a test phone number and access token immediately.
- 4Add Your Real Business Phone Number
Under API Setup, click Add phone number. Enter your display name, category, and phone number. Receive an SMS or voice OTP to verify ownership.
- 5Generate a Permanent Access Token
In Meta Business Manager → System Users → Add a System User (Admin role). Click Generate Token, select your WhatsApp app, and check both permissions:
whatsapp_business_messagingandwhatsapp_business_management. - 6Paste Credentials into SEE IN CRM
Navigate to Settings → WhatsApp Configuration in SEE IN CRM. Paste your:
- Phone Number ID
- WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID)
- Permanent Access Token
Click Verify & Save Credentials. Your live WhatsApp connection is active!