# Adding a payment card for the Official WhatsApp API

Meta [charges for the messages it delivers](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/pricing) from an **Official WhatsApp API** number, so you need to add a payment card in Meta before you can send messages. The card goes on your **messaging account**: the account in Meta that holds your WhatsApp templates and billing. Meta sets this account up for you, so you only need to add the card. Meta charges the card directly, separately from your Mampu AI plan. See [Meta: add a credit card to your messaging account](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/488291839463771).

## 1. Open your messaging account

![Messaging accounts under Business assets in the Meta Business Suite settings](../../.gitbook/assets/guides/whatsapp-payment-card-1-messaging-accounts.jpg){ width="590" }

1. Log in to Facebook with the account that connected your WhatsApp number.
2. Open [business.facebook.com/latest/settings/whatsapp\_account](https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/whatsapp_account). This opens **Settings** in Meta Business Suite.
3. In the left menu, under **Business assets**, click **Messaging accounts**. Choose **Messaging accounts**, not **WhatsApp accounts**: the card belongs to the messaging account. See [Meta: account structure](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/1082831781117070).
4. Click your account in the list. Its details open on the right.

**Note**: To add a card, you need permission to manage payment settings for this messaging account. The account's owner has this permission automatically.

## 2. Open Payment settings

![The Summary tab of a messaging account, with the card under Payment method and the Payment settings button](../../.gitbook/assets/guides/whatsapp-payment-card-2-payment-settings.jpg){ width="722" }

On the **Summary** tab, **Business information** lists the account's details:

* **Currency** is the currency Meta charges you in.
* **Payment method** shows the card Meta charges, once you've added one.

Click **Payment settings** on the right.

## 3. Add your card

![Billing & payments for a messaging account, with the card it pays with and the Add payment method button](../../.gitbook/assets/guides/whatsapp-payment-card-3-billing-and-payments.jpg){ width="760" }

Meta opens **Billing & payments** for the account.

1. Click **Add payment method**.
2. Follow Meta's steps to add your payment information, then click **Next**.
3. Enter your card details and click **Save**.
4. Add your business information and click **Save**. Meta can ask for your tax details at this step.

Your card then shows under **Payment methods**. Meta charges the card marked **Default**, which also shows under **You'll pay using**. On the account's **Summary** tab, it shows under **Payment method**.

You can also add the card from **Settings → Billing & payments → Messaging accounts**: click **Add payment method** beside your account. If the account already has a card, you see **View details** there instead.

## If your card payment fails

Some Malaysian banks block overseas card charges, and Meta charges your card from overseas. If this happens, you can:

1. Call your bank to allow payments to Meta, or
2. Link a different card instead: click **Add payment method** in **Billing & payments**.

If you don't have another card, you can try this:

1. Check your phone messages or banking app. Your bank may have sent a request to approve the payment.
2. Call your bank and ask them to allow payments to Meta.

**Note**: To check whether payment is stopping your messages, open the inbox's **Account Health** tab in Mampu AI and read **Payment method**. **Manage payment method** there opens this number's billing page in Meta. See [Why a WhatsApp message failed](/settings/whatsapp-message-errors).

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a card for Normal WhatsApp Web Link?

No. **Normal WhatsApp Web Link** carries no Meta charges. Only numbers connected with **Official WhatsApp API** need a card. See [Normal WhatsApp Web Link vs Official WhatsApp API](/platform/connect-to-social-media-channels/normal-whatsapp-vs-whatsapp-cloud).

### Which cards does Meta accept?

Visa and Mastercard. Meta doesn't accept American Express or digital payments such as PayPal. Paying by card works only in the [countries Meta supports](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/419761233006366).

### What happens if I don't add a card?

Meta can't charge for your messages, so your template messages, including WhatsApp blasting, fail to send. A failed message shows error **131042: Business eligibility payment issue**. See [Why a WhatsApp message failed](/settings/whatsapp-message-errors) and [Meta: error codes](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/support/error-codes).

### Is this the same as paying for my Mampu AI plan?

No. Meta charges this card for the WhatsApp messages it delivers. Your Mampu AI plan is billed separately in Mampu AI. See [Billing and plan usage: what each term means](/settings/billing-and-plan-usage).

### Can I add a second card?

Yes. Click **Add payment method** again in **Billing & payments**. Meta charges only the card marked **Default**.

## Related

* [Finding the receipt for conversational cost for WhatsApp API](/platform/connect-to-social-media-channels/normal-whatsapp-vs-whatsapp-cloud/finding-the-receipt-for-conversational-cost-for-whatsapp-api)
* [Why a WhatsApp message failed](/settings/whatsapp-message-errors)
* [WhatsApp blasting](/campaigns/whatsapp-campaigns)
* [Normal WhatsApp Web Link vs Official WhatsApp API](/platform/connect-to-social-media-channels/normal-whatsapp-vs-whatsapp-cloud)
* [WhatsApp](/channels/whatsapp)

From Meta:

* [Add a credit card to your messaging account on WhatsApp](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/488291839463771)
* [Updates to account structure on WhatsApp Business Platform](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/1082831781117070)
* [Supported countries for WhatsApp Business credit card billing](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/419761233006366)
* [Pricing](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/pricing)
* [WhatsApp error codes](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/support/error-codes)

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Source: https://help.mampuai.com/channels/whatsapp-payment-card