The WhatsApp green tick: what it means, who gets it, and how to apply

What the badge actually is

The verified badge on WhatsApp tells customers that Meta has confirmed the account belongs to the business it claims to be. Verified businesses show their business name instead of a phone number in chats, even to people who haven’t saved the contact. That is the whole benefit — identity, not reach. It does not raise delivery, open rates or messaging limits by itself.

Two routes (as of October 2026)

• Official Business Account (OBA) — Meta’s long‑standing review for businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). Historically granted to well‑known brands with press coverage and a strong presence; approval is discretionary.
• Meta Verified for business — a paid subscription Meta has been rolling out by country for the WhatsApp Business app and the platform, which includes a verified badge after identity checks plus support and other features.

Availability, price and criteria differ by country and change often; the only reliable source is Meta’s own help centre. Be wary of anyone selling a “guaranteed green tick”.

What you need before applying

1. A WhatsApp Business Account connected to a Meta Business portfolio — the official API path gives you this; iChatUp’s Embedded Signup sets it up in a minute.
2. Business verification in Meta Business Manager: legal name, address, phone and documents that match.
3. A display name that follows Meta’s naming rules and matches your real brand.
4. Two‑step verification turned on and a complete business profile (address, description, website, hours).
5. For the OBA route: evidence of notability — press, a public website, an established presence.

How to apply

In WhatsApp Manager (inside Meta Business Suite) open your phone number’s settings and look for the official business account request, or subscribe to Meta Verified where it is offered. Meta reviews and replies in the Business Manager inbox. iChatUp’s Marketer plan includes help preparing the application; nobody, including us, can promise the outcome.

What matters more than the badge

Answering every message quickly, confirming bookings, taking payments without friction and never spamming. Those are what customers notice, and they also keep your quality rating green — which, unlike the badge, directly decides how many people you may message.