WhatsApp Business API in India: provider, pricing and setup
Everything an Indian business needs to know before applying: what you need, what it costs, and how FluxxChat gets your number live.
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API, now delivered through the WhatsApp Cloud API, is the official way for companies to send notifications and campaigns and to chat with customers at scale. Unlike the WhatsApp Business app, many agents can answer from one number, messages can be automated, and the number can be connected to your own software.
You reach it through a provider such as FluxxChat, which gives you the dashboard, inbox, templates, campaigns and billing on top of Meta's API.
WhatsApp Business app vs WhatsApp Business API
- App: free, one phone, a few linked devices, basic quick replies, no real broadcast tools.
- API: unlimited agents on one number, chatbots and flows, template campaigns, CRM and software integration, delivery and read reports.
- Verified identity: the API supports an official business profile once your business is verified with Meta.
What you need to get started
- A Facebook Business Manager account for your business.
- A phone number that is not currently registered on the normal WhatsApp app, or that you are ready to move to the API.
- Your business details, website or social page for verification.
- A payment method for your prepaid wallet.
How WhatsApp Business API pricing works in India
There are two parts. First, a monthly platform fee from your provider. FluxxChat plans are in rupees, GST included, as a one-time payment or monthly, and you can see them on the pricing page. Second, Meta's message charges. Meta charges for template messages by category (marketing, utility and authentication) and by country, and replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are free. FluxxChat deducts these charges from a prepaid wallet you recharge online, and logs every message cost.
Rates are set and updated by Meta, so always check the latest Meta pricing for India before planning a big campaign.
Why businesses choose FluxxChat
- Rupee billing with online recharge and GST invoices.
- Guided onboarding: we help you connect your number and understand template approval.
- Instagram DM automation and WhatsApp in one shared inbox.
- A support team in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, working in your time zone.
- Developer API and webhooks for your own software.
Typical setup timeline
Sign up, connect Facebook through the embedded sign-up, choose your number, and you can send your first template message once Meta approves it. Business verification, if you need it for higher limits, depends on Meta and can take a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WhatsApp Business API free?
The API itself is not free. You pay your provider's platform fee and Meta's message charges. Replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are free of Meta charges.
How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost in India?
Cost is the provider plan plus Meta message charges for template messages. FluxxChat plans start from Rs 999 per month or Rs 14,999 one-time, GST included. Meta rates vary by message category.
Can I use my existing WhatsApp number?
Yes, but a number can be on either the WhatsApp app or the API, not both. You move it to the API during onboarding. If you want to keep using the app, use a new number for the API.
Do I need business verification?
You can start without it, with lower messaging limits. Verification with Meta unlocks higher limits and an official business profile.
Who is an official WhatsApp Business API provider in India?
Providers connect to Meta's Cloud API and resell access with their own platform. FluxxChat is built in Coimbatore by Fluxx Tech and connects your number through Meta's official embedded sign-up.
Can I send bulk messages with the API?
You can send template campaigns to contacts who opted in to hear from you. Unsolicited bulk messaging is against WhatsApp policy and risks your number.
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