Toll-free number
Definition
A number that callers can dial at no charge, such as 800 or 888 numbers in North America and 0800 in the UK.
Toll-free number, explained
A toll-free number is one where the business, not the caller, pays for incoming calls. In the US and Canada toll-free numbers use prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833 after +1. In the UK, freephone numbers start with 0800 or 0808. In North America many toll-free numbers can also send and receive text messages, and businesses use them for customer support, alerts and verification codes. Carriers require toll-free texting to go through a verification process before high-volume sending, to reduce spam. UK freephone numbers are mainly used for calls rather than texts. When a sign-up form asks for your phone number, a toll-free number is usually rejected, because line type checks identify it as a business line rather than a personal mobile. If you receive a verification code from a toll-free number, that is normal for many services, but still be wary of unexpected texts that ask you to share a code or tap a link.
Related terms
Long code
A standard full-length phone number, like a regular mobile or 10-digit number, used to send or receive texts.
Short code
A 5 or 6 digit number that businesses use to send high-volume texts such as verification codes and alerts.
Line type lookup
A check that tells an app whether a number is mobile, landline or VoIP, and often which carrier owns it.
Where you'll meet this term
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