Overview
Mailchimp Transactional is the service that used to be called Mandrill; it was renamed in fall 2025. It sends one-to-one email such as receipts, password resets and alerts through an API or SMTP, can handle inbound email, and now also sends transactional SMS through the same API.
The distinctive point is the link to Mailchimp's marketing product: templates can be built in Mailchimp's editor or imported, so marketers change content while developers keep the integration stable. The flip side is that you must hold a paid Mailchimp Standard or Premium plan to use it, even if you run no campaigns.
Email is bought in blocks of 25,000. Up to 20 blocks (500,000 emails) cost $20 each, and the per-block price falls to $10 above 4 million emails. Blocks do not roll over month to month. A dedicated IP costs $29.95 a month. New users can send up to 500 test emails to their own verified domain before buying.
Pricing and plans
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 1-20 blocks | $20 per block | Up to 500,000 emails; 1 block = 25,000 emails |
| 21-40 blocks | $18 per block | 500,000 to 1 million emails |
| 41-80 blocks | $16 per block | 1 to 2 million emails |
| 81-120 blocks | $14 per block | 2 to 3 million emails |
| 121-160 blocks | $12 per block | 3 to 4 million emails |
| 161+ blocks | $10 per block | 4 million+ emails |
What it does
- API and SMTP
- Send transactional email through the API or SMTP from multiple domains in one account.
- Shared templates
- Build templates in Mailchimp's drag-and-drop editor or import them for API sends.
- Inbound email
- Handle replies and incoming mail with actions such as RSVPs or task updates.
- Transactional SMS
- Send 1:1 SMS through the same API using Mailchimp SMS credits.
- Dedicated IP
- Optional dedicated IP for $29.95 a month.
- MCP server
- A first-party MCP server connects AI coding assistants to the API.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Marketers and developers share one template system
- Volume discounts down to $10 per 25,000 emails
- Email and SMS from the same API
- Inbound email handling included
Limitations
- Requires a paid Mailchimp Standard or Premium plan
- Sold in 25,000-email blocks that do not roll over
- Sending stops when blocks run out unless auto-purchase is on
- No permanent free tier, only up to 500 demo sends
Who it suits
Good for
- Companies already paying for Mailchimp Standard or Premium
- Teams where marketing owns transactional email copy
Look elsewhere if
- Developers who only need a transactional API
- Hobby projects
Alternatives to Mailchimp Transactional
| Tool | From | Free option | Stages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twilio SendGrid Email API Email API and SMTP relay | $19.95/mo | ||
| Mailgun Email API and SMTP relay | $15/mo | Free tier | |
| SocketLabs Email delivery platform and analytics | $39.95/mo | ||
| Brevo Email marketing and transactional platform | $9/mo | Free tier | |
| Amazon SES Cloud email sending and receiving service | Usage-based | ||
| Azure Communication Services Email Cloud email sending API | Usage-based |
Questions
Is Mailchimp Transactional the same as Mandrill?
Yes. Mandrill was renamed Mailchimp Transactional in fall 2025.
Do I need a Mailchimp plan to use Mailchimp Transactional?
Yes, it is an add-on to the Standard or Premium plan, or the legacy Monthly plan; Essentials is not eligible.
How much does Mailchimp Transactional cost?
$20 per block of 25,000 emails for up to 500,000 emails a month, falling to $10 per block above 4 million, plus the Mailchimp plan.
Can I try Mailchimp Transactional for free?
New users can send up to 500 free emails to their verified domain; restrictions apply.
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