> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.beem.africa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Send SMS messages and receive delivery reports using the Beem SMS REST API.

The **Beem SMS API** has been developed to ensure a simple interface for developers whilst providing flexibility in terms of implementation. This is a REST-based API that supports sending SMS as well as receiving delivery status reports.

Whether you're sending transactional notifications, alerts, or promotional messages, the API is designed to integrate easily into your applications. All endpoints use HTTPS and require authentication via Basic Auth (API Key and Secret Key).

***

## Billing

SMS messages are billed from your Beem account **SMS credit balance**. Each successfully submitted message deducts credits according to your tariff. Check balance via the [Check balance](/api-reference/sms/check-balance) endpoint or the Beem Dashboard (**SMS → Balance**).

Prepaid credits must be topped up before sending. Contact [support@beem.africa](mailto:support@beem.africa) for billing questions.

***

## Related guides

* [Sender ID registration](/guides/sms/sender-id) — register an active Sender ID
* [Monitoring & API logs](/guides/sms/monitoring) — track sends in the dashboard
* [API responses](/guides/sms/api-responses) — error codes and examples

<Info>
  This REST API covers **outbound SMS** and **delivery reports**. For inbound SMS, international messaging, or SMPP, use the related products below — they use different protocols and endpoints.
</Info>

***

## Related SMS products

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Two-Way SMS" icon="message-circle" href="/guides/two-way-sms/index">
    The Two-Way SMS API allows you to receive inbound SMS messages on your application through a callback. You must have an active Two-Way SMS number assigned to your account.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multicountry SMS" icon="globe" href="/guides/multicountry-sms/index">
    The Beem Messaging Platform enables you to send messages to and receive messages from mobile devices across supported countries. Outbound messages are sent from your application using HTTP; inbound messages and delivery reports are delivered to your server via HTTP callbacks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SMPP" icon="plug" href="/guides/multicountry-sms/smpp">
    Connect directly to the Beem Messaging Platform using the SMPP protocol for high-throughput message submission.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>