Can I use a toll-free number for marketing texts?

You can, but it is not ideal. Toll-free numbers are better suited for transactional messages like order confirmations, appointment reminders, and customer service. For promotional and marketing texts, 10DLC is generally the better choice because local numbers feel more personal and get higher engagement.

Is toll-free verification the same as 10DLC registration?

No. They are separate processes with different registries. Toll-free verification is handled through a toll-free messaging registry, while 10DLC registration goes through The Campaign Registry (TCR). The requirements and timelines are different for each.

Which option is better for healthcare messaging?

Both can work for healthcare, but toll-free numbers are popular for appointment reminders and patient notifications because they carry a professional image. 10DLC works well too, especially when you want a local presence. The key is ensuring your messaging is HIPAA-compliant regardless of which number type you choose.

Do toll-free numbers have higher throughput than 10DLC?

Toll-free numbers generally offer moderate throughput that sits between unregistered local numbers and short codes. 10DLC throughput varies based on your trust score but can match or exceed toll-free throughput for businesses with good trust scores.

Can I port my existing toll-free number to 10DLC?

No. 10DLC and toll-free are different number types. You cannot convert a toll-free number into a 10DLC number. However, you can register a new 10-digit local number for 10DLC and use both number types simultaneously for different purposes.

10DLC vs Toll-Free Numbers: A Complete Comparison

Both 10DLC and toll-free numbers are popular choices for business text messaging, but they serve different purposes and work in different ways. This guide walks you through the key differences so you can pick the option that fits your business best.

Understanding the Two Options

What Is 10DLC?

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) uses standard local phone numbers that have been registered for business messaging. These are the regular 10-digit numbers your customers are used to seeing. When you register for 10DLC, you go through The Campaign Registry (TCR) to verify your business and describe how you will use texting.

What Are Toll-Free Numbers?

Toll-free numbers are phone numbers with specific prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Traditionally used for voice calls where the receiver pays the cost, toll-free numbers can also be used for text messaging after going through a separate verification process.

Key difference

10DLC numbers are local numbers that create a sense of neighborhood presence. Toll-free numbers project a national, corporate image. The right choice depends on the relationship you want to have with your message recipients.

Feature Comparison

Feature	10DLC	Toll-Free
Number Format	Local 10-digit number	800/888/877/etc. prefix
Registration	TCR (brand + campaign)	Toll-free verification registry
Setup Cost	~$4 brand + ~$15 campaign	$5–$15/month for number + verification fees
Setup Time	1–2 weeks	1–4 weeks
Throughput	Varies by trust score (up to 75+ msg/sec)	Moderate (typically 3–10 msg/sec)
Local Presence	Yes (local area code)	No (national/corporate feel)
Two-Way Messaging	Yes	Yes
MMS Support	Yes	Yes
Best For	Local businesses, marketing, conversational	Customer support, transactional alerts

Registration Process

10DLC Registration

The 10DLC registration process involves two main steps through The Campaign Registry (TCR). First, you register your brand with your business details and EIN. Then, you register each campaign describing your messaging use case. The process is well-defined and typically takes one to two weeks from start to finish.

Toll-Free Verification

Toll-free messaging verification is a separate process that goes through a different registry. You need to provide your business information, describe your use case, and submit sample messages. The review process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of your use case.

Important note

Toll-free verification has become stricter in recent years. Unverified toll-free numbers face the same filtering and blocking issues as unregistered 10DLC numbers. Do not skip the verification process regardless of which option you choose.

Cost Breakdown

Both 10DLC and toll-free are significantly more affordable than short codes, but their cost structures differ:

10DLC Costs

Brand registration: approximately $4 (one-time)
Campaign registration: approximately $15 per campaign (one-time for standard use cases)
Number cost: typically $1–$2 per month per number
Carrier surcharges: fractions of a cent per message, vary by carrier

Toll-Free Costs

Number cost: $5–$15 per month depending on provider
Verification fees: varies by provider, some charge a one-time fee
Per-message costs: slightly higher per-message rates than 10DLC in many cases

Cost verdict

10DLC is generally the more cost-effective option, especially for businesses sending higher volumes. The per-message carrier surcharges for 10DLC are typically lower than toll-free surcharges.

Throughput and Deliverability

One area where 10DLC often has a clear advantage is throughput. Thanks to the trust score system, well-registered businesses can achieve significantly higher message-per-second rates with 10DLC than with toll-free numbers.

Toll-free numbers typically support 3 to 10 messages per second, which is fine for transactional notifications but can be limiting for time-sensitive campaigns. 10DLC numbers, depending on your trust score, can handle significantly more volume.

In terms of deliverability, both registered 10DLC and verified toll-free numbers perform well. The key in both cases is completing the proper registration or verification process. Unregistered or unverified numbers of either type face heavy filtering.

Best Use Cases for Each Option

Choose 10DLC When You Need:

Local presence: Customers see a local area code and are more likely to read and respond
Marketing messages: Promotions, offers, and engagement campaigns feel more personal from a local number
Higher throughput: Trust scores can unlock significantly higher sending rates
Conversational texting: Two-way conversations feel more natural from a local number
Multiple locations: You can use different local numbers for different markets

Choose Toll-Free When You Need:

National brand identity: An 800 number projects a professional, nationwide presence
Customer support: Customers already associate toll-free numbers with getting help
Transactional alerts: Order confirmations, shipping notifications, and account alerts
Existing toll-free infrastructure: If you already use a toll-free number for voice calls
Healthcare or finance: Some industries prefer the professional feel of toll-free

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. Many businesses use a combination strategy. For example, you might use a toll-free number for customer support and transactional messages, while using 10DLC local numbers for marketing campaigns and local outreach.

This approach lets you match the number type to the purpose. Customers get a professional toll-free experience for support, and a friendly local experience for promotions and engagement.

Which Should You Choose?

For most businesses, especially those focused on customer engagement, marketing, and local presence, 10DLC is the stronger choice. It offers better throughput, lower costs, and a more personal connection with recipients.

Toll-free numbers are a solid choice for businesses that prioritize a national brand image and primarily send transactional messages. They are also a good option if you already have an established toll-free presence and want to extend it to text messaging.

Our recommendation

If you are starting from scratch, go with 10DLC. It is more versatile, more affordable, and gives you better throughput. You can always add a toll-free number later for specific use cases like customer support.