AI · BYOK
BYOK for WhatsApp agents: model, cost, and data control
Bring-your-own-key on 42agents: agency or client pays the model; the platform does not lock you into opaque token markup.
Last updated: September 10, 2026
- 7-day free trial on any plan
- Official Cloud API with coexistence
- Your brand, your price, your client
From USD 39/account · 7-day free trial
BYOK (bring your own key) means the WhatsApp agent uses the agency’s or end client’s OpenAI or OpenRouter API key, instead of an opaque vendor “AI credits” pool. On 42agents the agent is optional and BYOK is the model: you control provider, model, and the token invoice. The platform (Pro USD 39/account/mo or Premium USD 117 from 3 accounts) is independent of inference spend and Meta fees.
Why agencies ask for it
Margin transparency: you see real token cost per client. Compliance: some clients require their own cloud account. Flexibility: you change models without migrating the WhatsApp platform.
The inverse risk is operational: if the key dies or has no credit, the agent stops answering. Monitor AI-provider billing alerts the same way you watch Meta quality rating.
How to package the offer
Option A: the agency uses a master key and rebills an “AI included” fee with buffer. Option B: the end client brings their key (cleaner for enterprise). In both cases, split WhatsApp platform vs inference vs Meta in the contract.
Start with a cheap model for FAQ and escalate to a stronger one only on hard intents — prompt and knowledge matter more than the top model on day one.
What BYOK does not cover
BYOK does not replace Cloud API, templates, or coexistence. It also does not waive WhatsApp policy: a “creative” model inventing prices is still your quality problem.
For ready prompts, use /templates; for the product, the WhatsApp AI agents pillar.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Ready for the 7-day trial?
From USD 39 per account. Free trial on any plan. White-label under your brand. Signup is available in the dashboard.
