4 min read

Add a payment method to Meta

Step by step: put a card on your Meta business so WhatsApp keeps working, and fix the common snags.

Meta bills your business directly for WhatsApp replies after the first 1,000 each month. To do that it needs a payment method on your Meta business, and a number without one can be blocked. You only have to do this once. It takes about five minutes.

Before you start

  • Use the Facebook account you signed in with when you connected WhatsApp to Buvvo. The payment method has to go on that same Meta business.
  • You need full control of that business. If you only have partial access, ask the owner to do these steps or to give you full control first.
  • Have a debit or credit card that works for online payments in US dollars. Meta prices WhatsApp in dollars, so turn on international transactions with your bank if your card needs it.

Step by step

  1. Open Meta Business settings.Go to business.facebook.com/settings on a phone browser or computer. You can also tap Open Meta Business settings on the reminder in your Buvvo dashboard.
  2. Pick the right business.If you manage more than one business, use the switcher at the top left to choose the one your WhatsApp number belongs to.
  3. Go to Billing and payments.In the menu, open Billing and payments, then Accounts, and choose WhatsApp Business accounts. Tap the account connected to Buvvo. On a phone, the menu sits behind the icon at the top left.
  4. Tap Add payment method.If Meta asks you to choose a currency first, pick one your card can pay in. Meta does not let you change it later.
  5. Enter your card details and save.Type the card number, expiry date and security code, then confirm. Your bank may send a one-time code, and Meta may place a small temporary charge to check the card. It is refunded.
  6. Check it in Buvvo.Open WhatsApp in your dashboard. The checklist row Payment method on file with Meta should now read On file, and the reminder banner goes away. It can take a few minutes to update, so refresh the page if it still says Missing.

If something goes wrong

I can't see Add payment method

You most likely have partial access to the business, or you are looking at a different business. Check the switcher at the top left, then ask the business owner for full control.

My card was declined

Many Nigerian cards block foreign currency payments by default. Turn on international transactions in your bank app, raise your online spend limit if it is low, or try a dollar card. Then add the card again.

Buvvo still says Missing after I added a card

Wait a few minutes and refresh your WhatsApp page. If it still says Missing, the card is probably on a different Meta business or a different WhatsApp Business account than the one connected to Buvvo. Repeat step 3 and make sure you pick the account your Buvvo number belongs to.

Buvvo says Unknown

Buvvo could not read your billing status from Meta just now. It is not a problem with your card. Check Billing and payments in Meta directly, and the status in Buvvo will update on its next check.

I have more than one WhatsApp number

The payment method belongs to the WhatsApp Business account, not the number. Numbers under the same account share it. If your numbers sit under different accounts, add a payment method to each one.

Still stuck? Email support@buvvo.ng with a screenshot of your Billing and payments page and we will help you sort it out.