Abhishek Prakash
•Strategic sales leader with deep focus on customer relationship building and revenue growth. With over two decades of experience at corporates like IBM, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Jio, driving excellence in enterprise profitability and competitive advantage.
What is the Cost of RCS Business Messaging in India Per Message or Per Campaign?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) business messaging is transforming the way brands communicate with customers in India. With features like branded messages, high-resolution images, carousels, suggested replies, and verified sender IDs, RCS is quickly becoming the next big thing after SMS and WhatsApp marketing. But one of the most common questions businesses ask before adopting this technology is — what is the cost of RCS business messaging in India per message or per campaign?
In this blog, we’ll break down the pricing structure, explain what affects RCS message costs, and help you decide whether it’s the right investment for your brand communication strategy.
Understanding RCS Business Messaging in India
Before we get into pricing, it’s essential to understand what RCS messaging really is.
RCS is an upgraded form of SMS that allows businesses to send interactive, multimedia-rich messages directly to customers’ default messaging apps — no downloads required. Think of it as combining the simplicity of SMS with the engagement level of chat apps.
Unlike traditional SMS, which only supports text, RCS can include brand logos, buttons, maps, videos, and transactional information — all in a verified, secure environment. This makes it ideal for marketing campaigns, customer service, and transactional updates.
What Determines the Cost of RCS Business Messaging?
The cost of RCS messaging in India depends on several key factors. While pricing varies across providers, the structure typically includes:
1. Per Message Cost
RCS messages are usually charged on a per-message basis, similar to bulk SMS. However, the cost per RCS message is slightly higher because of the enhanced interactivity and delivery through carrier infrastructure. Prices can range from ₹0.50 to ₹2.00 per message, depending on message type, operator, and volume.
2. Campaign Size
Larger campaigns often come with discounted rates. Enterprises sending high volumes of RCS messages for product launches or seasonal offers may negotiate lower per-message pricing.
3. Type of Message
Transactional messages (like OTPs or order updates) usually cost less than promotional or branded campaign messages, as they are shorter and sent to opted-in users.
4. Brand Verification and Setup Costs
RCS involves brand verification and configuration within the mobile carrier ecosystem. These are usually one-time setup costs, covering sender ID, branding assets, and technical integration.
5. Carrier and Platform Charges
Costs may vary based on the telecom carrier, integration partner, and API provider. Some providers, like Mtalkz, offer bundled pricing for easier budgeting and campaign management.
RCS Messaging vs Bulk SMS Costs
Traditional Bulk SMS has been the backbone of business communication for years. It’s affordable, reliable, and widely accessible. However, SMS lacks visual engagement, brand verification, and analytics capabilities.
RCS, on the other hand, delivers measurable engagement — read receipts, interactive buttons, and real-time feedback. Although per-message cost for RCS is higher, the return on engagement often justifies the investment, especially for businesses aiming to stand out with premium brand communication.
For example, an SMS campaign might cost ₹0.20 per message but deliver a 10% engagement rate, while an RCS campaign at ₹1 per message could yield 40–50% engagement — a substantial improvement in ROI.
Per Campaign Pricing: What Businesses Can Expect
When considering per campaign RCS pricing, most service providers offer scalable plans. A typical RCS campaign in India could start at around ₹5,000–₹10,000, depending on the audience size and message complexity.
Campaign pricing often includes:
- Message design and branding support
- API integration and delivery
- Real-time analytics and reporting
- Customer engagement tracking
Many businesses combine RCS with other channels such as WhatsApp Business API and Email Marketing Software to create an omnichannel experience. This helps them maximize reach and engagement while maintaining consistent brand communication.
Why Choose RCS Messaging for Your Business?
If your business thrives on customer engagement, RCS is worth the investment. Here’s why:
- High Brand Visibility: Verified sender ID and logo build instant trust.
- Rich Media Support: Send videos, carousels, and interactive buttons.
- Seamless Integration: Works within native messaging apps, requiring no extra installation.
- Measurable Engagement: Track read receipts, click-throughs, and conversions.
- Enhanced Security: Direct carrier-level delivery minimizes spam risk.
RCS also complements other digital channels, including IVR Testing Services and marketing automation tools. When combined strategically, these tools deliver cohesive customer journeys.
How Mtalkz Helps You Optimize RCS Messaging Costs
Mtalkz is one of India’s most trusted providers of omnichannel communication solutions, including RCS, SMS, WhatsApp, IVR, and Email APIs. What sets Mtalkz apart is its transparent pricing model, powerful automation features, and enterprise-grade security.
By partnering with Mtalkz, you can:
- Launch RCS campaigns quickly with minimal setup
- Access cost-effective message bundles
- Integrate APIs with existing CRM or ERP systems
- Get real-time insights and analytics for better decision-making
- Scale effortlessly as your customer base grows
Mtalkz helps you maximize the ROI of your campaigns by combining RCS messaging with smart automation and data-driven engagement.
Final Thoughts
The cost of RCS business messaging in India may vary based on your campaign goals and message volume, but the value it delivers in engagement and brand trust is unmatched. For companies looking to elevate customer experience beyond SMS and email, RCS is a future-proof investment.
When implemented with a reliable partner like Mtalkz, you can optimize costs, track performance, and deliver memorable customer interactions — all in one place.
Ready to Elevate Your Customer Communication?
Get started with Mtalkz today — India’s leading enterprise communication platform offering RCS, SMS, WhatsApp, IVR, and Email solutions.
Enhance engagement, optimize campaign costs, and deliver seamless, branded conversations across every channel.
Visit Mtalkz to explore RCS business messaging solutions today.
FAQs About RCS Business Messaging Cost in India
1. What is the average cost of RCS business messaging per message in India?
It generally ranges from ₹0.50 to ₹2.00 per message, depending on volume and campaign type.
2. Is RCS cheaper than SMS?
No, RCS costs more per message than SMS, but it provides much higher engagement and conversion rates.
3. What are the setup charges for RCS messaging?
Setup costs vary but usually include brand verification, sender ID registration, and API configuration.
4. Can RCS be integrated with existing marketing systems?
Yes, RCS can integrate seamlessly with CRM systems, APIs, and tools like Mtalkz’s automation suite.
5. Is RCS available for all mobile networks in India?
Most leading operators support RCS, but coverage and delivery may depend on the end-user’s device compatibility.
6. Can small businesses use RCS messaging?
Absolutely. Mtalkz offers scalable plans suitable for startups and SMEs.
7. What’s the difference between transactional and promotional RCS messages?
Transactional messages share order updates or OTPs, while promotional ones drive marketing or sales engagement.
8. How can I start using RCS messaging for my brand?
You can begin by connecting with a trusted provider like Mtalkz, who handles setup, integration, and campaign management.