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Published : June 6, 2025
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What Is the 855 Area Code?
855 is a non-geographic toll-free number in the North American Numbering Plan. Not tied to any specific city or region. Used widely by businesses for customer service, sales, and national outreach.
Is 855 a Toll-Free Area Code?
Yes, 855 is officially toll-free. The caller does not pay; the business covers the cost. Functions exactly like 800 numbers, just newer and often more available.
855 vs. Other Toll-Free Codes
The 800 area code, introduced in 1967, is the original and most recognized toll-free code. It was followed by 888 (1996), 877 (1998), 866 (2000), and 855 (2010). While 800 is more familiar, 855 is a modern, widely available alternative with the same toll-free benefits.
When I first started my business, I didn’t think much about what my phone number said about me. But over time, I realized that how people contact you shapes how they see you. That’s when I looked into toll-free numbers and found the 855 area code.
Like many, I wondered: Where is area code 855 from? Are 855 numbers safe? After some more research, I saw it’s a smart way to build trust, look professional, and connect nationwide. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned. Let’s dive in.
What is the 855 Area Code?
855 is one of several officially recognized toll-free area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. Unlike regular area codes like 212 (New York) or 310 (Los Angeles), 855 is not associated with a specific city or region. It is completely virtual, meaning it’s available to anyone, anywhere in the United States and Canada.
If you’re asking the question, “Where is the 855 area code from?” or “What area code is 855?“, the answer is simple: it’s not from a single place. The 855 code is part of a family of non-geographic area codes that include 800, 888, 877, 866, 844, and 833.
The original purpose behind these area codes was to allow people to make phone calls to a business without the user paying for the call–which is the responsibility of the organization that is receiving the call.
When you see an 855 number like 1-855-732-9409, you are typically dealing with a customer service number, a sales 1-800 hotline, or a national brand that wants to be accessible from coast to coast. To me, toll-free phone numbers are like a digital storefront sign that says, “We’re open to everyone—call us anytime, from anywhere.”
- According to the FCC, toll-free numbers help businesses remain accessible nationwide and are regulated to ensure fair use.
Is 855 a Toll-Free Area Code?
Yes, 855 is a real toll-free area code, just like the traditional 800 numbers.
There was a time when 800 numbers satisfied most of the demand, but as toll-free numbers were adopted by so many businesses (not just those that were supplementing local business with their national advertising), there were toll-free prefixes like 888, then 877, and finally 855.
So, this is what toll-free calls mean:
- The callers don’t pay for calling the number (most of the time, particularly in the U.S. and Canada).
- The business or organization pays for the call as part of their toll-free plan.
So, when you see a number that starts with 855, you can feel as confident as possible that it is a public number, and easy access for everyone. Businesses use it to lessen complexity and association with being a company that you can’t get close to.
How Do Toll-Free Numbers Work?
Toll-free numbers may look simple on the surface, but there’s a smart system working behind the scenes. Let’s say someone dials 1-855-BUY-NOW1 after seeing an ad. Here’s what happens when someone calls the 855 number:
- Gets routed to a central phone provider.
- It is matched with the business that owns that toll-free number.
- Then connects to the business’s preferred line—this could be a desk phone, mobile, or even a VoIP app.
For the caller, it’s seamless. But for the national or international business, it opens up a lot of possibilities. For example:
- You can forward calls to different departments.
- Use automated greetings or menus.
- Track which calls come from which ads or campaigns.
This makes 855 toll-free telephone numbers a business tool for customer experience, marketing, and team coordination.
855 Area Code vs. Other Toll-Free Codes
Some people ask: “Is there a difference between 855 and 800 numbers?” The answer: not really, except for how familiar the number might feel to customers.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Area Code | Toll-Free | First Introduced | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | Yes | 1967 | Oldest, most recognized |
| 888 | Yes | 1996 | Common alternative |
| 877 | Yes | 1998 | Mid-era usage |
| 866 | Yes | 2000 | Popular for support lines |
| 855 | Yes | 2010 | Newer, modern toll-free choice |
The only thing you need to think about is recognition. Some people see 800 numbers as having more official status simply because they have been around longer. That being said, 855 numbers operate in the same manner, offer the same benefits, and in some cases, can be easier to find (because they are not as heavily used yet).
Benefits of Using an 855 Number
Toll-free numbers are not just for Fortune 500 companies. Even a solo entrepreneur, a startup, or a nonprofit could use an 855 number. Here are a couple of reasons:
1. National Presence and Credibility
You don’t seem local or small with an 855 number. It makes it look like you have a national horizon. If you are an entrepreneur based in Texas, Toronto, or Tampa Bay, people will assume that you service customers anywhere.
This improves your credibility, especially when you’re competing online. Customers are more inclined to trust businesses that appear established and professional, and a toll-free number contributes to that image.
2. Easy to Remember for Branding
Your toll-free number is easier to remember if it creatively translates into a word or phrase, like 1-855-MOVE-NOW or 1-855-GET-HELP. When the number is short, punchy, and pertains to what you offer, it’s easier for customers to remember.
This is why you still see toll-free numbers in radio ads, billboards, and flyers. They are short, brandable, and memorable!
3. Call Forwarding Flexibility
You can forward incoming calls from your 855 number to any phone, whether that be your office line, mobile, or even to a VoIP app on your laptop, which means you won’t ever miss an important call, regardless of whether you are working from home or traveling.
Some businesses route and forward calls by time zone, business hours, or based on the caller’s location.
- Most people use call forwarding to avoid missed calls (86%) and manage workloads (72%). It often redirects to a personal phone, voicemail, or another business line—and can even save on long-distance costs!
4. Enhanced Customer Trust
Customers are skeptical when calling unknown numbers, but they are more inclined to feel that it’s a legitimate business when they see a toll-free code like 855. This raises the level of trust and increases the probability that they will pick up the phone and call you instead. Trust is everything in customer service.
5. Get More Callbacks
If you miss a call from a customer, they are more apt to call you back if you have a number that they trust, like a toll-free 855. If it’s a random local number or worse, unknown, most will probably ignore it.
6. Advantages of VoIP
If you are using an 855 number through a VoIP provider, you will have access to features like:
- Call-recording
- Analytics dashboards
- Voicemail to email
- Interactive Voice Menus (IVR)
These increase the intelligence, efficiency, and scalability of your phone system, which is suited for modern business.
Common Scams and Misconceptions
A few people have asked me: “Are 855 numbers telemarketers?” Or “Who is calling from the 855 area code? Should I answer this call?”
I totally understand. Scam calls are prevalent. And yes, a scammer will sometimes spoof a toll-free number (including 855) to make it look legitimate.
But that doesn’t objectively deem the area code itself as unsafe. Many real companies use 855 for customer support. But some telemarketers and robocallers also use toll-free numbers to seem trustworthy. It’s the misuse, not the number—that’s the issue.
How to Check It?
- Search the number online using a phone lookup tool or a caller ID app.
- Ask the caller to verify themselves before giving any information.
- Don’t share personal details unless you’re sure the call is genuine.
Most of the 855 numbers are safe. Just be smart about who you trust, same as with any number.
Quick Tip: To check who’s calling from an 855 number, tools like TrueCaller or Whitepages Reverse Phone Lookup can be helpful.
How to Get an 855 Area Code Number?
If you run a business and want to set up an 855 number, the process is simple.
Step 1: Choose a business phone provider that offers toll-free numbers.
Step 2: Check availability for numbers that match your brand.
Step 3: Register and set up your number with call routing and any features you want.
Step 4: Promote your number. Add it to your website, email signatures, ads, and packaging.
Some popular platforms like CallHippo even let you combine your 855 number with VoIP tools so that you can make and receive calls from anywhere, track call data, and scale as you grow.
Quick Comparison Table for Toll-Free vs. Local Numbers
| Feature | Toll-Free (855) | Local Number |
|---|---|---|
| Caller Pays | No | Yes |
| National Reach | Yes | Limited |
| Perceived Trust | High | Medium |
| Memorability | High (Vanity options) | Lower |
Final Thoughts
The 855 area code might not correspond to a real place, but in terms of modern-day communication, it can matter quite a lot. For companies, it is a very low-barrier way to increase reach, build trust, and remain accessible. For customers, it shows that the company takes support seriously and isn’t foisting the cost onto you, making the call free for the customer.
If you own a business – large or small – investing in a toll-free 855 number could be one of the most effortless ways you can take to look more credible and be more reachable.
Just use it well, promote it well, and always be the type of brand that people are happy to call back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 855 area code legit?
Yes, the 855 area code is officially recognized as a toll-free code in North America. Many real businesses use it for national customer service.
2. Are 855 numbers safe?
They’re usually safe, but scammers can misuse them like any other number. Be cautious if a call seems suspicious.
3. Do I have to pay to call an 855 number?
No. Toll-free means the caller doesn’t pay—the business receiving the call does.
4. Where is the 855 area code location?
It isn’t tied to any physical location. It’s used across the U.S. and Canada.
5. Who uses the 855 area code?
Businesses, nonprofits, call centers, service providers, and even solo entrepreneurs who want to look professional and be reachable nationwide.
Updated : July 11, 2025
Priya Naha is an experienced technical content writer who focuses on VoIP and telephony technologies. Her expertise in telecommunication and content marketing allows her to simplify complex topics with real-world knowledge, making her writing relatable, informative, and easy-to-read. Her direct involvement with VoIP products and solutions makes her a reliable voice in the field.
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