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

# Template Categories

> Understand the three WhatsApp Business template categories — Utility, Marketing, and Authentication — and when to use each.

## Overview

WhatsApp Business templates are pre-approved message formats used to send outbound messages to your customers. Every template must be reviewed and approved by Meta before it can be sent.

Templates are classified into three categories, each with different pricing, use cases, and content restrictions. Choosing the right category and following content guidelines is critical for approval and cost-effective messaging.

All templates go through Meta's automated review process. Approval typically takes anywhere from 5 minutes to 24 hours depending on category and content complexity.

***

## Utility Templates

Transactional messages tied to a specific user action or account event.

**Common use cases:**

* Appointment confirmations and reminders
* Payment receipts and confirmations
* Order status updates
* Delivery notifications
* Booking confirmations
* Missed call follow-ups
* Report or document delivery
* Account updates
* Post-service follow-ups

| Detail | Value |
| - | - |
| Cost | Lowest cost per conversation |
| Approval time | 5 minutes to 1 hour |
| Best for | Day-to-day operational messaging with existing customers |

***

## Marketing Templates

Promotional messages, offers, brand campaigns, and referrals.

**Common use cases:**

* Discount offers and promotions
* Referral programmes
* Product or service announcements
* Newsletter-style content
* Event invitations
* Loyalty programme messages
* Awareness campaigns

| Detail | Value |
| - | - |
| Cost | Approximately 7x higher than Utility templates |
| Approval time | 1 to 24 hours |
| Opt-in required | Explicit marketing opt-in from recipients |
| Best for | Promotional campaigns to opted-in audiences |

> [!WARNING]
>
> Marketing templates require explicit marketing opt-in from recipients. Sending Marketing content to non-opted-in users violates WhatsApp Business Policy and may violate local data protection laws.

***

## Authentication Templates

One-time passwords and verification codes only.

The body follows a fixed format:

> `{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.`

> [!NOTE]
>
> Authentication templates cannot be used for persistent passwords, login credentials, or custom messages beyond OTP delivery.

| Detail | Value |
| - | - |
| Cost | Fixed OTP rate |
| Approval time | 15 minutes to 1 hour |
| Format | Fixed — no customisation beyond the OTP variable |

***

## Category Comparison

| Aspect | Utility | Marketing | Authentication |
| - | - | - | - |
| Cost | Lowest | \~7x Utility | Fixed OTP rate |
| Approval time | 5 min - 1 hour | 1 - 24 hours | 15 min - 1 hour |
| Opt-in required | Standard consent | Marketing opt-in | Standard consent |
| Customisation | Full | Full | Fixed format |
| Best use | Transactional | Promotional | OTP only |


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