Open Messaging API: Quick reply cards returning 400 Bad Request in Laravel

NICE CXone API & Integrations
1

I can’t seem to figure out why my Laravel service is getting a 400 Bad Request when trying to send structured messages via the Genesys Cloud Open Messaging API. I have successfully authenticated using the standard OAuth flow and can send plain text messages to the api/v2/conversations/messages endpoint without issue. The problem arises when I attempt to include quickReply or card actions in the actions array. My Guzzle client is configured to send application/json, and I am manually constructing the payload based on the documentation examples. Here is the specific JSON structure I am POSTing:

{
 "to": { "id": "user:123" },
 "type": "instant",
 "actions": [
 {
 "type": "quickReply",
 "items": [
 { "title": "Option A", "payload": "A" }
 ]
 }
 ]
}

The API responds with an error indicating the action type is invalid or malformed, yet the structure matches the schema exactly. I have verified that the user ID is correct and that the conversation exists. Is there a specific nesting requirement for the items array that I am missing, or is this a known limitation of the current API version? I am using the latest Guzzle version and have double-checked the headers.

2

This looks like a schema mismatch in the action payload structure. The Open Messaging API is strict about the type field and the nested config object.

{
 "type": "quickReply",
 "config": {
 "text": "Select Option",
 "actions": [
 {
 "label": "Option A",
 "value": "option_a"
 },
 {
 "label": "Option B",
 "value": "option_b"
 }
 ]
 }
}

Ensure your Laravel Guzzle request sends this exact structure inside the actions array. A common pitfall is placing label and value directly in the root action object instead of inside the config.actions array. Also verify the Content-Type header is application/json. I manage these configs via Terraform state to prevent drift, but the API contract remains the same. If you are using a card, the type must be card and the config needs title and items. Check the API docs for the specific card schema if quick replies still fail.

3

I typically get around this by validating the payload against the strict schema first. The config object requires specific fields that are often omitted in quick implementations. Check the official documentation here: https://developer.nicecxone.com/api/open-messaging

4

The documentation actually says “the action type must be one of the supported values defined in the schema” and this is where most Laravel implementations fail when trying to send complex payloads. The suggestion above regarding the JSON structure is correct, but you are likely missing the specific config nesting that the Genesys Cloud API requires for the quickReply type. I copy-paste this from the docs daily because it is so easy to miss the subtle difference between a standard outbound message and a structured action.

When using Guzzle in Laravel, ensure your request body explicitly defines the type as quickReply and nests the buttons inside a config object, not directly in the root action object. If you send the buttons at the root level, the API returns a 400 Bad Request because it cannot parse the structure against the strict OpenAPI specification.

Here is the exact payload structure that works in my Studio scripts via GetRESTProxy, which should translate directly to your Guzzle request:

{
 "type": "quickReply",
 "config": {
 "text": "Please select an option:",
 "actions": [
 {
 "label": "Option A",
 "value": "opt_a"
 },
 {
 "label": "Option B",
 "value": "opt_b"
 }
 ]
 }
}

The documentation explicitly states that “the config object contains the specific parameters for the action type.” If you omit the config wrapper, the API treats the payload as invalid. Also, verify that your OAuth token has the conversation:message:send scope, as missing scopes can sometimes manifest as 400 errors instead of 401s if the validation layer fails first.

  • Verify the type field matches exactly (case-sensitive)
  • Ensure config object is present for all structured actions
  • Check OAuth scope conversation:message:send
  • Validate JSON against the OpenAPI spec before sending
5

have you tried adding the content-type header explicitly? i keep hitting this in my local mock servers when the json is malformed. double check your curl or guzzle headers.