> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cloudtalk.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp Pricing

> Understand how messaging is billed, what affects pricing, and how to track your costs

> [!NOTE]
>
> Messaging in CloudTalk is always billed separately from your calling plan. This article explains how SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp messages are charged and what affects their cost.

**User level:** Admin

***

SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp messages are **not included** in your subscription.

All messaging is charged from your **account credit** based on usage.

This means:

* Every message you send has a cost

* There are no included message bundles in standard plans

* Messaging will stop if your credit balance runs out

## How messaging is billed

Messaging follows a simple usage-based model:

* You are charged **per message**

* Charges are deducted from your **prepaid credit balance**

* Pricing depends on the **destination country** and **message type**

This applies to SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp.

## SMS and MMS pricing

### Per-message billing

SMS and MMS are billed individually. Each message is charged based on the recipient’s country.

### Message fragments (important)

SMS messages are billed in **fragments**, where one fragment equals up to 160 characters.

* Messages longer than 160 characters are split into multiple fragments

* Each fragment is billed separately

* Inbound messages are charged at **\$0.008 per fragment**

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Messaging rates vary by country**. For a full list of SMS pricing by destination, contact [Support](https://support.cloudtalk.io/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=26305535257884) or your account manager or refer to your pricing agreement.

### SMS availability and reachability

Not all CloudTalk numbers support SMS, and message delivery may vary depending on the country and carrier.

* Some numbers are **SMS-capable only for domestic messaging**

* Some countries **do not support international SMS delivery**

* In certain cases, **messages may be filtered or the sender ID may be changed**

To learn more, see the [guide on SMS-capable numbers and reachability](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/11959017-cloudtalk-sms-capable-numbers-and-sms-reachability.md).

## WhatsApp pricing

### Requirements

To use WhatsApp in CloudTalk:

* You must be on the **Expert or Custom plan**

* Your account must have **at least 3 users (seats)**

* WhatsApp must be activated via the [dashboard setup](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/7033929-how-to-activate-a-whatsapp-integration-number.md)

### How pricing works

* WhatsApp messages are charged at a fixed rate of **\$0.01 per message**, for both inbound and outbound messages

* Charges are deducted from your **CloudTalk credit balance**

## US SMS compliance (A2P 10DLC)

If you send SMS messages to US numbers, you must comply with A2P 10DLC regulations.

### What is A2P 10DLC

A2P (Application-to-Person) 10DLC is a US messaging standard required by carriers to:

* Reduce spam

* Improve message deliverability

* Ensure sender transparency

### How to register

You need to register your messaging use case through CloudTalk.

This typically includes:

* Business verification

* Campaign details (what messages you send and why)

* Approval from carriers

> [!WARNING]
>
> **⚠️ Why registration is required**
>
> Without A2P 10DLC registration, all SMS sent to US numbers from a CloudTalk number with the +1 country code will be blocked.

To learn more, see the guide on [registering US numbers for A2P 10DLC messaging](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/7222203-registering-standard-usa-numbers-for-messaging-a2p-10dlc.md).

## How to track messaging charges

You can monitor your messaging usage and costs in two ways.

### Credit movement export

Download the [Credit Movement export](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/14470553-credit-movement-export.md) to review a detailed breakdown of your messaging charges. This includes:

* Individual message charges

* Date and time of each message

* Destination numbers

* Cost per message

This is the most accurate way to verify how your messaging usage is billed.

### Messages report in Analytics

Use the **[Messages report](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/10632835-messages-report.md)** to track:

* Total messages sent

* Usage trends

* Activity by user or number

***

*Need help or have a question?* Just reach out through our [Support portal](https://support.cloudtalk.io/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=26305535257884) — we’re here for you.


## Related topics

- [Understanding your CloudTalk invoice](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/15163668-understanding-your-cloudtalk-invoice.md)
- [Getting Started with CloudTalk guide](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/10558672-getting-started-with-cloudtalk-guide.md)
- [Pay-as-you-go call rates](https://help.cloudtalk.io/en/articles/pay-as-you-go-call-rates.md)


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