How to Request an Official Business Account (OBA) for WhatsApp Numbers

An Official Business Account (OBA) on WhatsApp is a verified account that reflects a brand's authenticity and notability. These accounts have a blue checkmark next to the business name, signaling their verified status to customers.

What is an Official Business Account?

WhatsApp assigns OBAs to businesses that meet its specific criteria for authenticity and notability, which are distinct from other platforms. In addition to complying with WhatsApp’s Commerce and Business policies, the business must meet the following requirements:

• Notability: The business must represent a well-known and frequently searched brand.
• Verified Business: The business must complete the WhatsApp Business Verification process.
• Two-Step Verification (2FA): Two-step verification must be enabled for the phone number requesting OBA status.

Steps to Request an Official Business Account

To request an OBA for your WhatsApp Business number, we recommend submitting a ticket via Meta Business Support instead of using WhatsApp Manager. This provides a ticket number for easier escalation if needed.

Follow these steps:

1. Access Meta Business Support:

   • Go to Meta Business Support and submit a support ticket.
   • Select the option for 'WABiz: Request or Update an Official Business Account' and then choose 'Request an OBA'.

2. Provide the Necessary Information:

   • Ensure Two-Step Verification is enabled for the phone number you’re applying for OBA.
   • Make sure that Business Verification and Display Name approval are completed before submitting the request.

3. Explain the Brand's Association:

   • If the OBA’s name is different from the name of the WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), main Facebook page, or website, provide context explaining the relationship between the WABA name and the brand. This explanation helps Meta understand how the OBA name is connected to the overall brand.

4. Show Brand Leadership:

   • Highlight how the brand is a leader in its industry and is recognizable. Include details like awards, market leadership, or industry prominence.
   • Provide an explanation of how the WhatsApp number will be used, whether for customer service, marketing, or transactional messages, to demonstrate the business’s legitimate usage.

5. Submit the Request:

   • Along with the request, share up to 5 supporting links from reputable sources to showcase the brand’s notability. These links should come from recognizable websites, trusted news outlets, or well-known references like Reuters, Wall Street Journal, or other major publications.
   • Also, include the country of operation, parent brand (if applicable), and primary language to give Meta a broader understanding of the brand’s presence and eligibility for OBA.

Why Submit a Ticket Instead of Using WhatsApp Manager?

Submitting a ticket through Meta Business Support ensures you get a ticket number that serves as a reference for any future escalations with Meta. This is a more reliable process than applying through WhatsApp Manager, as it provides clear documentation and tracking of the request.

Handling Rejections

If your OBA request is denied, it means that your account did not meet the eligibility criteria. You will need to wait 30 days before resubmitting the request. Use this time to grow your brand’s online presence, particularly by increasing its coverage in reputable news outlets.

While OBA status provides a visual marker of authenticity, businesses without OBA status can still operate effectively on WhatsApp. Your WhatsApp Business profile can continue to be optimized with updates to:

• Profile picture
• Business description
• Website
• Email

Focus on building your brand’s visibility, and consider reapplying once your business has gained more notability in major publications.