What types of messages can I send with a TFN?
TFNs are designed for business messaging. You can use them for:
Transactional messages: Appointment reminders, shipping updates, order confirmations, and alerts.
Customer service: Automated or live replies that help customers manage their accounts or resolve issues.
Marketing: Promotions, product launches, sales, loyalty updates, and other campaigns — as long as customers have opted in.
What’s not allowed?
You can’t use TFNs for personal communication or anything considered spammy or high-risk. Examples of disallowed or restricted content include:
Unsolicited marketing (no opt-in)
Personal or non-business messages
High-risk financial services, loans, debt relief
Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or drug-related content
Gambling, sweepstakes, or get-rich-quick schemes
Adult content or hate speech
Firearms and explosives
To learn more about what kinds of messages you can't send, see our sending guidelines. Check out our global sending guides for more information about sending in the US and Canada.
Do I need customer consent?
Yes — opt-in is required. You must show how your recipients have agreed to receive messages from you. This is known as “explicit consent.” Explicit consent language must clearly state that users agree to receive SMS/text messages. For example: "I agree to receive SMS/text messages from [Your Business Name]. Message and data rates may apply. Frequency may vary. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
Common opt-in methods include: To ensure compliance, opt-in forms should include the following elements:
Business name and message type (e.g., "I agree to receive [TYPE OF MESSAGE] messages from [COMPANY NAME].")
Message frequency and costs disclosure (e.g., "Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.")
Clear opt-out instructions (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe.")
Help instructions (e.g., "Reply HELP for help.")
Optional consent checkbox that is unchecked by default.
A form on your website with an unticked checkbox
A customer texting you a keyword (e.g. JOIN)
A signed paper form
Verbal opt-in with documented scripts For example, a compliant opt-in statement could be: "☐ I agree to receive marketing and promotional text messages from [Your Business Name]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Reply HELP for help."
Carriers expect to see proof of opt-in during registration. If you can’t provide it, your application will be rejected. Ensure that the business name, email, and address in your application match the details presented during the opt-in process. Any mismatch can lead to rejection. Additionally, avoid using pre-checked boxes or requiring SMS consent to complete a form.
What if I break the rules?
If your messages contain restricted content, don’t match your declared use case, or lack proper consent, your TFN may be blocked or your registration rejected. For a smooth registration process, it's important that you:
Are honest about your use case
Keep opt-in records up to date
Avoid sending messages outside your approved scope
When in doubt, ask our support team to review your registration before submitting. If your application is pending or rejected, review the rejection reason provided by the carrier or platform. Update your opt-in language to include all required elements and ensure alignment with your declared use case. After making the necessary updates, resubmit your application for review.