WhatsApp API for business: Cost, features & setup

WhatsApp Business API, officially known as WhatsApp Business Platform, is designed for medium to large companies looking to use WhatsApp for messaging at scale.

Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the API does not have a front-end interface and must be connected to a messaging software like respond.io to send and receive messages.

WhatsApp Business App is made for micro to small businesses and is free to use, but it has limited features.

WhatsApp API is for medium to large businesses who require advanced features and integrations and handle high volumes of messages. As an API, it does not have a frontend interface and requires a platform like respond.io to manage chats and calls.

For best results, use an official WhatsApp Business Service Provider (BSP) like respond.io for access to the latest features and direct support from Meta.

Just sign up with a WhatsApp BSP like respond.io, connect your Meta business account to the platform and you’re good to go.

No, it’s not. These are the costs you can expect: A phone number, a messaging inbox to receive and send messages and WhatsApp’s conversation-based pricing charges. Unlike many WhatsApp BSPs, respond.io does not charge you any additional or hidden setup fees, maintenance charges or message markups. Pay only for your respond.io plan and Meta’s conversation charges.

This depends on your BSP’s plan. On respond.io, choose between four types of plans with different user numbers and enjoy the flexibility to add on users as needed. This way, you only pay for what you need.

Yes. respond.io users can access Respond AI, which consists of an AI chatbot builder and a set of tools to automate FAQ responses, collect customer information, and assist human agents in quicker conversations. The AI chatbot, or AI Agent, can handle conversations on WhatsApp and other channels, including TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram and more.

Yes, you can integrate WhatsApp API with your existing CRMs, ERPs or tools like Zapier and Make to connect to thousands of other software solutions. Respond.io has native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Sheets and more.

This will soon be possible! Stay tuned for our upcoming feature. At the moment, they won’t be transferred, but it’s easy to import contacts into respond.io and your past conversations will remain in WhatsApp Business App on the device you were previously using.

Yes, respond.io supports WhatsApp coexistence, allowing you to use a single phone number for WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API simultaneously. You have the flexibility to test or transition to WhatsApp API gradually without giving up WhatsApp Business App.

Yes, WhatsApp coexistence is available to all new and existing respond.io users.

Not at all. Your contacts still message the same number. All new conversations will appear on both respond.io (WhatsApp API) and WhatsApp Business App.

Yes. WhatsApp coexistence lets you test WhatsApp API without giving up WhatsApp Business App. When you’re ready, you can transition fully to the WhatsApp API without changing your number. If it isn’t for you, simply switch back to WhatsApp Business App at any time, with no drawbacks.

No. The official WhatsApp Business API does not support managing or sending messages to group chats.

Respond.io’s WhatsApp coexistence, however, lets you use WhatsApp API and the WhatsApp Business App on the same number simultaneously — keeping your existing WhatsApp groups active on the App while the API powers advanced use cases like automation, AI, lead qualification, bulk messaging, and performance tracking,

Small businesses should consider their needs and budget before switching. With the WhatsApp Business App, you can run Meta ads on Facebook and Instagram that click to WhatsApp and set basic automated greeting and away messages. Making and receiving calls is free on the WhatsApp Business App while outbound calls are charged on the API.

WhatsApp API requires a subscription to a BSP, incurs per-message fees from Meta, and users must abide by Meta’s commerce policy, which it strictly enforces. It’s also important to note that Meta places limits on broadcasts based on Business Manager-level messaging limits, which depend on your messaging quality and activity. These limits increase over time as your business sends high-quality messages.

Respond.io is the best WhatsApp BSP for scaling businesses that meet Meta’s standards and have high WhatsApp usage and advanced automation needs.