Send and receive high-volume texts via short code.
High volume, high-performance.
Short codes made simple.
Questions on setup? Ask our experts
What can you do with a short code?
Notifications
Trigger timely SMS alerts for emergencies, customer accounts and more.
Two-Factor Authentication
Use short code SMS to verify account credentials and keep data safe.
Appointment Reminders
Automatically remind customers about upcoming appointments.
Customer Support
Make it easier to reach you for fast resolutions and happy customers.
Messaging that delivers.
Reach anyone, anywhere
Get a message to anyone, anywhere in the world. Choose from local and toll-free numbers, short code, alphanumeric sender ID, or even use your existing voice numbers.
Worry-free compliance
Telnyx is a licensed carrier in 25+ countries, and we can confidently say we’re fully compliant in everything we do. So, your communications are in safe hands.
Support you can count on
Our best-in-class 24/7 NOC support is available by phone and email for every single customer with no spend requirements, so your issues never need to wait until Monday.
No-middleman pricing
Telnyx maintains complete control over our network and phone numbers, so we’re able to cut out the middlemen our competitors depend on—avoiding costly markups.
Ready to get started?
Questions on setup? Talk to our experts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started using short code SMS?
You can request a short code by creating a free Telnyx account, then completing the simple short code request form. Or, if you have questions about short code SMS - get in touch with our team of experts and we’ll help you get the answers you need.
How much do short codes cost?
In the US, short codes can be leased for 3, 6 or 12 month terms. Dedicated short codes cost $1,000 per month, and vanity short codes cost $2,000 per month. You can see detailed pricing for short code SMS here.
What types of businesses use short codes?
Short code SMS allows businesses to send high volume, high throughput communications. Some examples include:
- Marketing campaigns: targeted promotional messages sent to a users phone in real-time.
- Appointment reminders: simple text reminders for healthcare or hospitality providers.
- Notifications and alerts: time-sensitive service or shipping notifications or critical alerts.
These types of use cases have applications across many industries, like healthcare, transportation and logistics, retail, hospitality, and financial services.
What’s the process for setting up a short code?
Customers can request a short code by completing the request form in our portal or getting in touch with the sales team. Your campaign application will need to be submitted, then approved and certified by the major carriers. We’ll guide you through this process from start to finish.
Can I get a vanity short code through Telnyx?
Yes, you can get a vanity short code through Telnyx. To get started, simply complete this request form in the Telnyx portal, and our team of experts will start the process for you.
What is a short code?
Short codes (common short codes or CSC) are 5 or 6 digit phone numbers that customers can lease from the Common Short Code Administration. They’re commonly used for high volume, high throughput communications like marketing campaigns, password resets, alerts and notifications.
What are the different types of short codes?
There are two types of short codes available, random and vanity: Random short codes: are distributed arbitrarily as numbers become available. Vanity short codes: are selected specifically by a business that wants a more memorable or relevant number i.e. TELNYX. They’re subject to availability.
What are the benefits of using short code SMS?
Short code SMS is the highest throughput method of sending messages, default throughput starts at 100 messages per second. They also offer the best deliverability across the US and Canada. And, short codes are easily remembered, recognizable numbers - offering a more customer-friendly experience.
How long does it take to get a short code?
The process to set up a short code generally takes 8-12 weeks. Your campaign must be approved by each carrier before you can start sending SMS messages via short code. Take a look at the CTIA’s Short Code Monitoring Handbook for more information
Do short codes work for international SMS?
Short codes are country-specific. So, a US short code can only be used to send and receive SMS in the US (through the carriers that approved the short code). If you need to send messages internationally, it’s worth investigating local numbers, toll-free numbers and alphanumeric sender ID as viable alternatives.