WhatsApp offers the possibility of becoming an official WhatsApp Business account (OBA) to display a green tick badge next to your business name on WhatsApp showing that you are a trustworthy and authentic business. The process of obtaining an OBA can be challenging, so before applying, you need to know if it is really necessary for your business and the criteria that could help you to get it. 

❓What is an official Business account (OBA), and what are its benefits? 

An official Business account (OBA) is free and allows consumers to know that they are talking to an official business account and reinforces trust with the use of a green tick badge next to your business name on WhatsApp. WhatsApp has strict rules about which business can obtain an OBA, and it is often granted to reputed brands. Here is how an OBA appears to your customers on WhatsApp ⬇️

An official Business account doesn't give you access to extra features. However, having the green tick badge next to your business name can help you:

• Indicate to your recipients that your brand is unique, authentic, and can be trusted.
• Reduce your blocking rates since it makes your business recognizable and safe to interact with. 
• Increase the read rate and thus, your ROI (Return On Investment). 
• Make your business name recognizable to your recipients since it appears as the sender's name. 

Verifying your business account and being an OBA is not the same. Discover the differences below ⬇️.

👀 Differences between a verified account and an official Business account

A WhatsApp Business account that has been verified and an official WhatsApp Business account are both businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) through a Business Solution Provider like Brevo. However, the main differences are:

Before you start

Only a few businesses can obtain an official WhatsApp Business account. WhatsApp has strict rules and it is often granted to reputed brands. To become an official Business account, you have to: 

• Verify your WhatsApp Business account. To learn more, check our dedicated article Verify your WhatsApp Business account.
• Enable the two-factor authentication on your WhatsApp Business Manager account. 
• Be a business. Public figures, business employees, test accounts, and users of the WhatsApp Business app are not allowed to apply for an official WhatsApp Business account.
• Have a well-known business, for example with good media coverage. 
  
  💡 Good to know

  Try to get more media coverage in the weeks before applying to boost your chances of appearing as a popular enough brand.
• Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). You can use Brevo as your Business Solution Provider. 
• Reach at least the Tier 2 messaging limit. 

✅ Apply for an official WhatsApp Business account

If you are willing to apply to become an official WhatsApp Business account and obtain a green tick badge, first ensure that you have all the prerequisites to apply for a green badge. Once you respect all the pre-requisites:

1. Access your WhatsApp Business Manager account. 
2. Click the WhatsApp phone number for which you want to request an official business account. 
   
3. Access the Profile section. 
4. Under Official business account, click Submit request.
   
5. Provide the necessary information to request an official business account. You can submit up to 5 supporting links to show that your business is well-known. 
6. Click Submit. 

After submitting your application to WhatsApp, you must wait for their approval. You should receive a notification about your application in a few days or a week. 

❓What should I do if my application is rejected? 

If your green badge application has been rejected, it doesn't change anything with your current account and you can still use all your WhatsApp Platform features. 

Ensure you respect all the prerequisites listed above and try to apply again after 30 days. And don't worry, WhatsApp has strict criteria about which business can obtain the green badge, and having a green badge doesn't give extra features. 

⏭ What's next? 

• Part 1: Link your WhatsApp Business account to Brevo
• Part 2: Verify your WhatsApp Business account
• Best practices for WhatsApp messages
• Are there any limits to the number of messages you can send using the WhatsApp Business Platform?

🤔 Have a question?

If you have a question, feel free to contact our support team by creating a ticket from your account. If you don't have an account yet, you can contact us here.

If you’re looking for help with a project using Brevo, we can match you with the right certified Brevo expert partner.