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Meta: payment method is missing.

This is where the error occurs.

The error comes from Meta, not from SmartChat. Your number is connected, but Meta isn't letting any messages through. Meta calls the error 131042: "There was an error related to your payment method."

SmartChat waits and tries again later, as soon as payment works at Meta. You'll get an email.

These are possible reasons.

Meta gives these reasons for error 131042:

  • Payment account

    The payment account isn't linked to the WhatsApp account.

  • Credit line

    The credit line has been exceeded, isn't set up, or isn't active.

  • WhatsApp account

    The WhatsApp account has been deleted or blocked.

  • Details

    Time zone or currency isn't set.

What you do.

The steps at Meta sometimes change. So follow Meta's current guide.

  1. 1

    Open payment methods at Meta

    Open the "Payment methods" page at Meta: https://business.facebook.com/billing_hub/payment_methods and sign in with the account that manages your business. [Image: Payment methods page at Meta]

  2. 2

    Read Meta's guide

    Open the guide "Add a credit card to your WhatsApp Business Platform account" in Meta's Help Center (link below) and follow the steps there.

  3. 3

    Back to SmartChat

    In the settings, under Business, WhatsApp card, check that your number shows "Connected". Then send a test message. [Image: WhatsApp card with status Connected]

Good to know.

Meta bills the WhatsApp fees directly to you. That's separate from your SmartChat plan.

sources.

Meta: WhatsApp Cloud API error codes, https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/cloud-api/support/error-codes, accessed on 21.10.2026

Meta Business Help Center: Add a credit card to your WhatsApp Business Platform account, https://www.facebook.com/business/help/488291839463771, accessed on 21.10.2026 (only the title could be retrieved, the steps are listed there)

Did this help you?

If anything is still unclear, write to us. The Support will help you.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Is this a SmartChat error?

No. Meta reports the error. SmartChat shows it to you and tells you what to do.

Will the messages get lost?

No. SmartChat postpones them and tries again later, as soon as payment is set up at Meta.

It still doesn't work even with a payment method. What now?

Check the reasons above at Meta, for example currency and time zone. If it keeps happening, write to support and mention the code 131042.

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