The advertised per-message rate is only part of what an SMS gateway actually costs to use. A few questions are worth asking before you commit to one.
Is the rate the same at every volume?
Some providers publish one rate and quietly apply a different one above or below certain volumes. Ask whether the rate you're quoted is the rate you'll actually pay at the volume you send.
Is there a monthly fee or minimum spend?
A gateway with no monthly fee and no minimum spend costs nothing between campaigns -- you only pay for the credits you buy.
Do credits expire?
Credits that expire on a schedule effectively raise your real cost per message if you don't use them fast enough.
Is sender ID registration extra?
Check whether registering an alphanumeric sender ID is included or billed separately.
Is there an extra cost to use the API?
Some providers charge more, or require a higher plan, to use the API rather than the dashboard. Confirm this before you build an integration around it.
See the current published rates on the pricing page.
