| Transactional Messages | Promotional Messages |
|---|---|
| Used to convey critical or necessary information to customers. Examples include OTPs, alerts, confirmations, or reminders. | Used for marketing and promotional activities to advertise products, services, or offers. |
| Non-promotional and informational in nature. Must adhere to strict compliance guidelines. | Promotional in nature, focusing on sales, discounts, or brand awareness. |
| Can be sent to all customers, including those on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list, provided they have opted in. | Cannot be sent to numbers registered on the DND list unless recipients have explicitly opted in for such messages. |
| Delivered 24/7, including weekends and holidays, as they are time-sensitive. | Delivered only between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM as per TRAI regulations (in India). |
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| Requires compliance with regulatory guidelines for transactional messaging. | Requires approval of templates and adherence to promotional messaging guidelines. |
| Designed for existing customers or users who have ongoing transactions with the business. | Can be sent to potential and existing customers to attract leads and drive sales. |
| Slightly higher cost due to their priority and reliability requirements. | Generally more affordable since they are less time-sensitive. |