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Curious about WhatsApp Call pricing? If you primarily chat with customers over WhatsApp, you might be considering WhatsApp Business Calling API. Whether it’s to make a quick call to clarify something for a customer on an online chat or enable international customers to call with inquiries, WhatsApp voice calls can simplify your business communications.
We’ll give you an overview of how much WhatsApp Business Calling API costs, how it compares to and complements other VoIP services and how to choose the best WhatsApp Business voice call provider for your business.
What is WhatsApp Voice Calling?
WhatsApp Voice Calling allows users to make voice calls over the internet using the WhatsApp app. It enables real-time conversations without relying on traditional phone networks, working seamlessly within the app you already use for messaging.
Frequent users of WhatsApp for personal use will be familiar with the calling feature. If you need to make a phone call rather than just texting, you can do it directly in the WhatsApp app. However, in the past, this feature was not available to businesses using WhatsApp API.
If they wanted to schedule a call with a customer, they would need to do it over a mobile network or provide a landline number. Now that’s changed with Meta’s new feature, which we’ll get into in more detail later. First, let’s look at the reasons businesses would want to use WhatsApp voice calling.
Why Should Businesses Use WhatsApp Voice Calling?
There are several benefits businesses can get from WhatsApp voice calling. It makes it easy to connect with customers around the globe, transition between chats and calls, be instantly accessible to customers and convert leads into customers faster.
Cost-effective International Calling
Calling overseas with a traditional phone line incurs significant costs. Unless your business has a toll-free number, which is also expensive for the company, international customers are likely to be discouraged from contacting you.
Calls made over an internet connection via VoIP services are cheaper and more reliable. WhatsApp voice calling is based on VoIP technology so you can use it to chat with customers around the world.
Seamlessly Move a Conversation from Chat to a Call
WhatsApp makes it easy to escalate a chat conversation into a voice call when needed. If an issue becomes too complex to resolve via text, businesses can quickly switch to a call to provide a more personalized and efficient resolution, then send a follow-up message over chat again for confirmation. This flexibility enhances the customer experience and allows for smoother communication.
Make It Easy for Customers to Reach You
WhatsApp voice calling ensures businesses are readily accessible to their customers by chat or call. If customers or prospects need to schedule a phone call or use another channel, they may drop off. When a lead or customer can call you on WhatsApp, it removes friction from their journey. With a simple tap, customers can call businesses without needing to leave the app.
Convert Faster
Having the option to speak directly with leads can speed up the decision-making process. Whether it’s addressing product inquiries, clarifying doubts, or finalizing purchases, WhatsApp voice calling helps businesses convert leads faster by providing real-time support and answers.
While online chat can provide answers quickly, it’s not always enough. For businesses selling high value items like luxury cars or providing consultations on health or education, it’s often necessary to speak to the customer personally. A voice call offers a human connection and builds trust.
Turn conversations into customers with respond.io's official WhatsApp API ✨
Manage WhatsApp calls and chats in one place!
How Much Does WhatsApp Call Cost?
So how much will it cost to get all the benefits of WhatsApp voice calls? Is WhatsApp Business Calling API cheaper than traditional VoIP services? The answers depend on whether you’re using the free WhatsApp Business App or WhatsApp API along with several other factors.
WhatsApp Personal and Business App Calls
Voice calling is not a new feature for WhatsApp Personal or Business accounts, as any frequent WhatsApp user knows. For small businesses using the free WhatsApp Business App, voice calls are free. All that’s required is an active internet connection.
Taking advantage of free calls to anywhere makes it an obvious choice for micro-small businesses who don’t need multiple users on WhatsApp at a time and manage a small number of calls and messages. However, challenges arise when your business grows large enough to need WhatsApp API.
WhatsApp Business API Calls
WhatsApp API offers advanced automation features and integrations that medium to large businesses need. But switching to WhatsApp API from WhatsApp business used to mean losing the call feature. Not anymore!
Now, with select WhatsApp Business Solution Providers (BSPs), WhatsApp calls are available on WhatsApp API. It offers the same convenience of WhatsApp calling although it does incur fees. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to consider.
WhatsApp BSP Fees
To get WhatsApp API, businesses need to subscribe to a WhatsApp BSP. Respond.io is a WhatsApp BSP and charges subscribers to the conversation management platform no additional fees for signing up to WhatsApp API. Other BSPs charge monthly fees for each WhatsApp number, so choose your BSP carefully.
Inbound vs Outbound Calls
Inbound calls are free; customers can call the business over WhatsApp at no cost to themselves or the business. However, Meta charges WhatsApp API users for outbound calls. Note that outbound calls are only allowed if the contact has given consent to receive calls from your business.
Outbond Call Destinations
The cost of WhatsApp Voice Calls varies widely based on call destinations, similar to other VoIP services. You’ll need to check rates for the countries you intend to call. Contact us for the latest rates.
Is WhatsApp Business Voice Calling Cheaper Than Traditional VoIP?
If you’ve been using traditional VoIP services to call your customers, you may wonder how WhatsApp Business Calling API compares.
WhatsApp Business Calling is a smarter and more cost-effective version of VoIP, built into chat. It uses the same technology as traditional VoIP services and can be used to complement traditional VoIP services or used on its own. Businesses that use a VoIP service as their primary phone, need to call customers who are not on WhatsApp, or require recording and transcription services will still need their VoIP service.
However, if you’re already doing business primarily on WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business API calling can help you save on subscription fees and integration costs. Plus, it allows agents and customers to switch from chat to call with one tap.
For businesses that require VoIP for other purposes, adding WhatsApp Business Calling API to call your customers who are on WhatsApp is a convenience that won’t significantly increase costs. Here’s how you can save with WhatsApp Business Calling API.
Subscription Fees
Traditional VoIP systems require monthly subscription fees. For WhatsApp Business Calling API, there’s no need for additional subscriptions if you’re already subscribed to a conversation management platform like respond.io.
Integrations
Integrating VoIP systems with CRMs often requires paying for third-party tools or services. On the other hand, WhatsApp Business API with a conversation management platform offers seamless integrations within a single platform, reducing complexity and costs.
Why Choose Respond.io as Your WhatsApp API Calling Partner
Ready to start using WhatsApp Business Calling API? You’ll need to choose a BSP that allows access to it. Here’s why respond.io is a smart choice.
Be One of the First to Access WhatsApp API Calling
Respond.io is one of the few WhatsApp Business Solution Providers offering WhatsApp API Calling, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the competition and maximize sales.
Note that WhatsApp API calling is now available worldwide except for Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk.
No Additional BSP Fees
Unlike other providers, respond.io does not charge additional fees for using WhatsApp API. Businesses simply subscribe to a monthly platform package.
Omnichannel Capabilities
With respond.io, businesses can manage customer communications across multiple channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, email and more, from a single platform.
Easy Setup and Integration
Respond.io makes it simple to set up WhatsApp Business Calling API; all you need to do is enable it in your Workspace Settings. You can also easily integrate WhatsApp with existing business systems via Workflows, Zapier and Make, so all communication and customer information is connected.
Implement WhatsApp API Calling with Respond.io to Streamline Customer Conversations
Ready to get started with WhatsApp API calling? Whether you’re already using WhatsApp API for chat or are looking to upgrade to WhatsApp API without losing voice calling, respond.io provides all you need for a smooth transition.
Capture leads into a chat on WhatsApp with features like click to chat ads and then convert them faster by allowing them to jump into a call without switching channels. Keep all agents aligned and informed and provide a seamless customer journey to boost sales and retention.
Try respond.io for free or contact us for a demo tailored to your business needs.
Turn conversations into customers with respond.io's official WhatsApp API ✨
Manage WhatsApp calls and chats in one place!
FAQ and Troubleshooting
How is WhatsApp Business API voice calling different from regular WhatsApp calls?
WhatsApp calls for personal use or for the WhatsApp Business app are free and can be made and received at any time. For WhatsApp Business API voice calling, businesses need to get consent from leads or customers before calling them and will be charged. Customers can call at any time with no charge to them.
Can small businesses benefit from WhatsApp API Voice Calling?
Small businesses who handle high volumes of conversations and require a conversation management platform can benefit from WhatsApp API voice calling. However, small businesses who have few employees and manage low volumes of conversations typically choose to use the WhatsApp Business App as calls are free.
Do I need a Meta Partner to access WhatsApp API Calling?
Yes, businesses need to work with an official Meta Partner like respond.io to access WhatsApp API Voice Calling. Meta Partners provide the necessary tools and support to implement and manage the service.
Is there a free trial for WhatsApp API voice calls?
You can try respond.io free for 7 days and that includes WhatsApp API voice calls. WhatsApp outbound calling costs will still be charged during the trial.
Is WhatsApp API Voice Calling available to everyone?
From July 15 onwards, WhatsApp API Voice Calls will be entering General Access. That means that the feature will be available for everyone, apart from sanctioned countries or those with government restrictions on WhatsApp Calling.
Can I record and transcribe my teams’ or agents’ phone calls?
Yes, simply use a voice call solution that includes call recording and transcription features for desktop and mobile. When implementing call recording, businesses should also consider local regulations, as laws governing mobile and business call recording vary by location and may require notifying participants or obtaining consent.
GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001 certified platforms like respond.io enable consistent and reliable recording of customer interactions across devices, maintaining high audio quality and easy access to recordings and transcripts.
Can I record calls in the EU?
In the European Union, call recording is regulated under GDPR, which requires all participants to provide explicit consent before any recording begins. This ensures that everyone involved is aware their conversation is being captured and agrees to it. The rule is similar to the two-party consent laws found in some US states. Businesses can simplify compliance by using GDPR-compliant platforms like respond.io, which allow you to automate requesting and recording contacts’ consent for personal data collection.
How can I manage calls and chats for multiple brands or locations independently within one system?
You don’t need multiple messaging or voice call platforms to manage several users, teams or brands. Consolidate all your messaging and voice channels across brands and locations on respond.io, with separate workspaces for each. Agents segmented by brand or team, or you can automatically route conversations to the right team, brand or location. Meanwhile account owners can still view overall agent and team performance such as response times, resolution times and more.
How long do you store chat and call history?
You have detailed call reports showing who made or received the call, duration and outcome on respond.io. These are stored indefinitely. You can access messages and call records from a year or more ago— nothing is automatically deleted.
How can you keep call records secure and compliant?
All call data on respond.io is stored using enterprise-grade security standards and protected with role-based access controls, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive information. Call recording adheres to all applicable privacy and compliance regulations including GDPR requirements, and your full call history remains securely linked to each contact for as long as you use the platform.
Further Reading
If you'd like to learn more about WhatsApp Business Calling API, check out these other articles.
