WhatsApp Spending Caps
Spending caps let you set a maximum monthly amount for WhatsApp messaging charges beyond your plan's included allowance. This prevents unexpected overage costs.
Setting a Spending Cap
- Go to Settings, then WhatsApp, then Spending Cap
- Enter a maximum monthly spend amount (e.g., $10, $25, $50)
- Click Save
When your outbound messaging charges reach this cap, CustomerFlows pauses outbound template messages (utility and marketing) until the next billing cycle.
What is NOT affected by the cap:
- Inbound service conversations (always free -- these never stop)
- AI chatbot responses within the 24-hour service window (free)
- Your team's manual replies within the service window (free)
What IS paused when the cap is reached:
- Outbound utility template messages (appointment confirmations sent outside the service window)
- Marketing broadcast messages
- Automated follow-up messages that use templates
Alerts
CustomerFlows sends email alerts at:
- 80% of cap reached: "You've used 80% of your WhatsApp spending cap this month."
- Cap reached: "Your WhatsApp spending cap has been reached. Outbound template messages are paused until [next billing date]."
Recommended Cap Amounts
| Business Size | Suggested Cap | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo / low volume | $5-10/month | Most activity is free inbound. Minimal outbound templates. |
| Mid-size (20-50 jobs/month) | $10-25/month | Regular appointment confirmations and review requests |
| High volume (50+ jobs/month) | $25-50/month | Active marketing broadcasts and automated sequences |
Most contractors never exceed their included allowance. The spending cap is a safety net, not a regular limiter.
Removing or Adjusting the Cap
Go to Settings, then WhatsApp, then Spending Cap at any time to increase, decrease, or remove the cap entirely. Changes take effect immediately.
FAQ
What happens to queued messages when the cap is reached? Queued outbound template messages are held (not deleted). When the cap resets at the next billing cycle, or if you increase the cap, queued messages are sent automatically.
Does the cap include my plan's included messages? No. The cap only applies to overage charges beyond your included allowance. If your Growth plan includes 5,000 messages and you set a $10 cap, you'd need to send more than 5,000 + 2,000 (= $10 / $0.005) = 7,000 outbound messages before the cap activates.
Can I set the cap to $0? Yes. This means no outbound template messages beyond your included allowance will be sent. Inbound conversations remain free and unaffected.
Related
- WhatsApp Message Categories and Costs -- Understanding pricing
- Billing and Invoices -- How charges appear on your invoice
- Plans and Pricing -- Included message allowances by plan
Need help? Email support@customerflows.com.