WhatsApp has two separate cost layers when you use it through Hellotext:
- the Hellotext pricing model for platform, performance, SMS, and eligible non-SMS message usage; and
- WhatsApp Business Platform fees defined by Meta.
Meta fees are paid directly to Meta through the billing setup for your WhatsApp Business Platform account. Hellotext does not collect these fees, and they do not appear as charges on your Hellotext invoice.
Important: You pay Hellotext for Hellotext charges and Meta directly for WhatsApp Business Platform charges. Paying a Hellotext invoice does not pay or settle your Meta balance.
What Meta controls
Meta applies its current pricing rules to delivered messages, not merely sent messages. When a message is billable, its rate depends on the recipient market and its category: marketing, utility, or authentication. Meta calculates these charges and collects payment directly using the billing arrangement configured for your WhatsApp Business Platform account.
Under Meta’s current rules, service messages and utility messages sent in response to users within the 24-hour customer service window opened or reset by their latest message have no charge. For eligible entry points from an ad that opens WhatsApp or a Facebook Page call-to-action, replying to the customer’s message within 24 hours opens a 72-hour window with no message charges, counted from your business’s reply. Utility and authentication messages may qualify for volume discounts. Check the exact terms for your case: using WhatsApp does not mean every message incurs a Meta fee.
Because Meta can change its categories and rates, use the official WhatsApp Business Platform pricing page for current values.
What Hellotext controls
Hellotext applies its own pricing model to the Hellotext service. For plans under the standard monthly comparison, eligible WhatsApp message volume can be part of the non-SMS variable messaging amount; that amount is charged when it is the highest of the four amounts compared. Prepaid accounts and fixed-plan agreements may be settled differently. Check your account terms and the pricing model.
This does not replace or absorb Meta fees. Hellotext does not add Meta fees to the Hellotext invoice or collect them on Meta’s behalf.
How to estimate the complete cost
Review both parts:
- Use Settings → Billing for your Hellotext plan, usage, and invoices.
- Use the payment and billing information configured with Meta, together with Meta’s current rate table, to review WhatsApp fees paid directly to Meta.
- Confirm your business billing country for Hellotext. For Meta, estimate delivered messages by recipient market and category, and account for applicable free cases and volume discounts.
If your plan uses the standard monthly comparison, do not add the four Hellotext pricing components together: identify the highest. If you have a prepaid account or fixed agreement, use its billing terms. Then account for applicable taxes and review Meta charges separately in Meta’s billing environment; those charges are paid to Meta, not Hellotext.
Common questions
Are Meta fees included in the plan minimum?
No. They are not included in the plan minimum and are not paid to Hellotext. Meta charges them directly under your WhatsApp Business Platform billing setup.
Does fair use mean WhatsApp has no Meta cost?
No. Under the standard monthly comparison, fair use determines whether Hellotext’s variable non-SMS amount becomes the Hellotext charge. It does not change Meta’s WhatsApp pricing.
Why can two businesses have different WhatsApp costs?
Recipient countries, message mix, and Meta pricing can differ. Compare the same period and categories when reconciling costs.