How Toll Free Numbers Work

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with distinct three-digit codes that can be dialed from landlines and cell phones with no charge to the person placing the call. Such numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals out of the area without being charged a long-distance fee for the call.

Toll-free numbers are particularly common for customer-service calling and Advertising. Toll-free service has traditionally provided potential customers and others with a free and convenient way to contact businesses. Wireless callers, however, will be charged for the airtime minutes used during a toll-free call unless they have an “unlimited calling” plan.

Customers can also send text messages to toll-free numbers, so long as those numbers are “text enabled,” and businesses can send texts in response.

Toll-free codes – 800, 888, 877, 866, 855,844 and 833Toll-free numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and now 833. Although 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833 are all toll-free codes, they are not interchangeable. Dialing a number using a 1-800 prefix would reach a different recipient than dialing that number using a 1-888 prefix. Calls to each toll-free number are routed to a particular local telephone number.

What is a Vanity Toll Free number?

A “vanity” number is a toll-free telephone number that spells a name, word or acronym chosen by the subscriber, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS. These numbers are used in Advertising and Marketing. Studies have shown that when using a Vanity Toll Free Number in your Advertising the call counts are much higher then a non Vanity toll free number.