SMS FAQs.

It's simple really. Text messaging is officially the most popular form of communication. At home, at work, on the move. Everywhere.

If you receive a text, it's direct to your phone, it's personal and demands your immediate attention.

Most SMSs are delivered within 7 seconds and 90% of those are read within 90 seconds.

The possibilities are endless with business bulk SMS. Communicate with your customers with real-time, relevant information, directed just at them.

Embed contact numbers, mini-links or discount codes, use a short code for replies and opt-outs, make your texts interactive by inserting words or characters for your customers to respond to.

Bulk SMS offers genuine real-time updates. The main difference between bulk SMS and emailing is that 98% of texts are opened and typically read within 90 seconds. Emails only enjoy a 20-30% open rate and take on average 2.5 days to be read.

The average click through rate (CTR) of URLs included in bulk SMS messages is 19% compared to just 4.2% CTR for emails. Read our detailed comparison of SMS open rates vs email.

No other form of communication offers businesses the speed and reliability of bulk SMS. Faretext enjoys a delivery rate of over 98.5% of messages submitted to the system.

Through your account login or your emailed reports, you will be able to see exactly what has been delivered, failed or sent. You can view in detail the final delivery status of every single number relating to your SMS campaigns.

Faretext permits you to send two different types of business text messages: marketing and notification.

With GDPR, businesses must show how they use, store and process personal data, including a record of when a person opted in to receive marketing SMS. Notification texts are permitted as long as texting forms part of your business service and is detailed in your Privacy Policy.

With our system, you can send a single message of up to 918 characters. Each credit represents 1 x standard SMS of up to 160 characters.

Up to 160 characters = 1 credit
Up to 306 characters = 2 credits
Up to 459 characters = 3 credits
Up to 612 characters = 4 credits
Up to 765 characters = 5 credits
Up to 918 characters = 6 credits

Unicode characters are charged differently. Read our guide to SMS encoding for full details.

Flexible add-ons include: Reply numbers for 2-way texting, Keywords for GDPR-compliant opt-ins, Short-codes for printed adverts, Email forwarding of replies, Mini URL generator with tracking, QR Code creation, HLR Lookup for database cleansing, Automated processes, SMPP connection for high volumes (600 msgs/sec), and Managed services.

For a full list, visit our services page.

Everything we do is focused on giving organisations of any size the ability to communicate with their customers via text.

We apply a simple 1-5 step process: 1. Choose a function (marketing or notification), 2. Choose your route (Direct or International), 3. Choose your flexible add-ons, 4. Choose a delivery option (Oello, SMS API, or email-to-SMS), 5. Choose your data.

To create a free account, we need your name, company name, mobile number, business email address and an 11-character Sender ID. Once you've accepted our Agreement, your account will be validated with a quick security call and credentials issued via email.

Faretext is a UK-based SMS messaging provider. We help businesses send and receive text messages at scale through our API, email-to-SMS gateway, and web application Oello.

Founded in January 2013, we have over 13 years of experience in business SMS. We started by serving UK taxi firms and have grown to support over 1,000 active customers across 20 industries.

Three things: direct Tier 1 carrier connections (not resold routes), in-house development (we build and maintain our own platform), and an agile team that responds quickly. This delivers 98.5% delivery rates and 99.9% uptime.

No. Our web application Oello requires no coding. Our email-to-SMS service works from your existing email client. For developers, our REST API and SMPP connections offer full programmatic control.

We serve over 20 industries including healthcare, recruitment, retail, logistics, financial services, hospitality, property, and e-commerce. See our industry solutions for details.

Faretext Limited is registered in England (company number 08379209) and based in Hull. We serve businesses across the UK and internationally, with SMS delivery to 230+ countries.

Visit our registration form and complete the short sign-up process. Choose your preferred connection method (API key, legacy username/password, or code-free web app).

Our UK-based support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. For P1 critical issues, emergency out-of-hours support is available via the emergency contact details provided at onboarding.

Emergency contact details for out-of-hours P1 issues are provided during account onboarding. For P1 critical issues (complete platform outage or no message delivery), our response time is 30 minutes, 24/7.

Log in at faretext-api.co.uk. If you use the Oello code-free application, access it at app.oello.co.uk.

Yes. Full delivery reports are available through the SMS Command Centre dashboard and via API calls. Reports include message status, delivery timestamps, and recipient details.

Contact our team on 01142 945 993 or email hello@faretext.co.uk to top up your credits. We offer flexible payment options and volume-based pricing.

Our platform maintains 99.9% uptime, backed by multi-site cloud hosting with automated failover, Tier 1 direct carrier connections, and 24/7 monitoring.

For data protection queries, email dataprotection@faretext.co.uk. We are registered with the ICO (registration number ZA054854) and fully compliant with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

You refer businesses to Faretext who could benefit from SMS services. When they sign up and start sending messages, you earn a commission on every message sent. We handle everything from onboarding to ongoing support.

Commission rates are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, depending on your referral method and expected volumes. We agree transparent terms before the first message is sent.

No. You simply make the introduction and we take care of the rest, including technical setup, account management, and customer support.

Yes. Your customers can buy SMS credits directly from Faretext or through you as the reseller. We agree whichever arrangement works best for both parties.

No minimums. Whether you refer one business or fifty, the programme is open to everyone. No commitments, no targets, no time limits.

Everything. Your referrals get access to the full Faretext product suite including the Oello web platform, SMS API, email-to-SMS gateway, marketing campaigns, and two-way messaging.

We provide regular reporting on your referred accounts, including message volumes and commission statements. Your dedicated partner manager is available for any queries.

Once you submit the form, our partnerships team will be in touch within 1-2 working days to discuss terms. There is no complex onboarding process.

Faretext provides 24/7 automated monitoring across our entire network. Our systems track traffic patterns, message volumes, and delivery behaviour in real time, including detection of artificially inflated traffic (AIT) and revenue-share fraud.

Contact us immediately at spam@faretext.co.uk. Include your mobile number, the date and time of the message, and the message content. Our team will investigate and take appropriate action.

We operate multi-layered security: secure SMSC infrastructure with sender ID authentication, advanced content filtering, real-time traffic monitoring for anomaly detection, and automated account suspension triggers. All data is encrypted and API credentials are issued securely.

Smishing (SMS phishing) is a fraud where attackers send deceptive texts to trick recipients into revealing personal information. To protect your business: use a trusted SMS provider with content filtering, authenticate your sender IDs, educate customers about legitimate messages, and monitor campaigns for spoofing.

Every message sent through our platform undergoes sender ID authentication. We verify that the sender ID matches the registered account holder. This prevents unauthorised parties from sending messages under your brand name.

Bulk SMS is the ability to send large volumes of text messages to customers, staff, or stakeholders. Messages are typically used for marketing or notification purposes. Every message sent through Faretext travels via our direct UK SMS routes.

Direct SMS routes mean your messages are sent straight from our SMSC to the UK mobile networks, bypassing third-party aggregators. This achieves delivery rates consistently above 98.5%, with full reporting on every message.

If you have a development team, the SMS API is the best fit. If you prefer a visual interface with no coding, Oello gives you campaign management. If you want to send from your existing email client, Email to SMS works immediately.

Yes. SMS has a 98% open rate compared to 20-30% for email. Our SMS Marketing service includes personalised campaigns with merge fields, scheduling, trackable links, and ready-made templates.

Yes. Our International SMS service covers 230+ countries with direct carrier routes and transparent per-country pricing. International messaging has complexities including sender ID restrictions, registration requirements, and content filtering.

Beyond core services, we offer: dedicated reply numbers, keyword processing, HLR lookup, short-codes, SMPP connections, mini URL generation, QR code creation, email forwarding, and managed services.

We recommend regular data cleansing using our HLR lookup utility. For marketing, all contacts must be opted in under GDPR. Our platform handles STOP/opt-out replies automatically.

No. All Faretext services are pay as you go with no minimum contract, no setup fees, and no hidden charges. SMS credits do not expire provided your account remains active. See our pricing for details.

An SMS API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols that allows your software to send, receive, and manage text messages programmatically. Your application communicates directly with our SMSC to handle messaging automatically.

Sign up via our registration page and we provide your credentials (username/password pair or API key). Use these with our documented endpoints and code samples.

Your application sends an HTTPS request to our API endpoint containing the recipient's number, your message, and authentication credentials. Our SMSC validates the request, routes the message directly to the recipient's mobile network.

An SMSC (Short Message Service Centre) is the infrastructure between your application and mobile networks. It receives API requests, converts them into the correct format for each network operator, and delivers them. Our SMSC connects directly to UK mobile networks.

Transactional messages (order confirmations, delivery updates, OTPs), marketing messages (promotions, offers, campaigns), notification messages (appointment reminders, alerts), and two-way conversational messages.

Any business that needs messaging in their software: healthcare providers, eCommerce platforms, financial services, logistics companies, hospitality groups, and SaaS providers.

Yes. Accounts are set up for UK messaging by default, but adding international access is straightforward. Each country has specific rules, and we provide guidance on compliance.

We provide 25 free credits when you sign up. After that, you pay only for messages sent, with no monthly fees, no setup charges, and no minimum commitments.

Automation (send without manual intervention), scalability (up to 600 messages per second), reliability (direct routes with 98.5% delivery), flexibility, real-time tracking, and cost efficiency.

Full API documentation, including endpoint references, authentication guides, and code samples in multiple languages, is provided when you create your account. See our developer API page for details.

An API key is a unique alphanumeric string that authenticates your application when making API requests. It replaces the traditional username/password method and is inserted directly into your code.

An API key verifies that requests to our SMSC are from your authorised application. It prevents unauthorised access and allows us to track usage per account.

When you create your account via our connect page, you can choose API key authentication. Your unique key is generated automatically and sent securely.

Legacy integration uses a username/password pair, while API key integration uses a single alphanumeric token. API keys are generally considered more secure.

Never share your API key publicly or commit it to version control. Store it in environment variables or a secure secrets manager. Use HTTPS for all requests. Rotate keys periodically.

SMS marketing involves sending promotional messages, updates, or incentive information directly to customers' mobile phones. Businesses can personalise, schedule, and track campaigns with branded sender IDs.

Promotional texts for discounts and announcements, timely alerts about sales and availability, personalised vouchers, event reminders, and customer surveys.

Obtain explicit, informed consent before sending. Include simple opt-out methods like replying STOP. Clearly identify your business. Adhere to ICO guidelines for compliance.

Only those with explicit consent. The "soft opt-in" exception applies to existing customers if: details came from a sale discussion, messages concern similar products, and opt-out options appeared at collection and in every message.

Multichannel connects via separate platforms (email, SMS, social media). Omnichannel integrates SMS, email, and messaging apps like WhatsApp into one seamless system.

Genuine business fit, clear compliance guidance, features like mini-URL tracking and keyword management, transparent pricing, and responsive support.

Results vary by industry: Retail sees 18% online sales increase with 98% open rates, Healthcare reduces no-shows from 18% to 8%, and eCommerce achieves 21% abandoned cart recovery. SMS delivers an average ROI of £71 per £1 spent.

UK SMS marketing typically costs 3-7p per message. SMS delivers £71 per £1 spent versus £5 per £1 for social media, making it one of the most cost-effective channels available.

SMS is generally more secure than email. Sensitive credentials are issued only to authorised individuals and stored securely.

Retail and eCommerce (deals and order updates), Healthcare (reminders and health tips), Estate agents (property listings), Hospitality (confirmations and promotions).

SMS reminders are messages sent to a mobile phone to remind about something important: an appointment, delivery, payment, or event. With 98% open rates and messages read within minutes, SMS is the most effective reminder channel.

Reduce missed appointments, improve customer response times, and keep everything running smoothly. They help build trust, showing customers you value their time.

In many cases, yes. Text messages have 98% open rates vs 20-30% for email. Unlike phone calls, texts don't interrupt people and provide a written reference.

SMS goes directly to a mobile number; push notifications go through an app. SMS doesn't rely on apps or internet. As long as the customer has mobile signal, they'll receive the message.

Sign up for an account and choose your sending method: our REST API, email-to-SMS gateway, or code-free Oello app.

Yes. Using the SMS API connected to your software, you can automate reminders based on key events like bookings, appointments, or delivery schedules.

For service-related reminders (appointments, deliveries, bookings), this is typically classed as a service message and doesn't require extra marketing permission. Marketing messages always require explicit opt-in consent.

Yes. Sensitive details like usernames, passwords, and API keys are only shared with authorised people and securely stored.

No hard limit, but keeping it short works best. We recommend 5-6 questions. SMS surveys consistently outperform email and phone surveys with completion rates up to 3x higher.

Yes. Use the recipient's name, include custom details, segment your audience, and add personalised links to boost engagement.

Yes, when you get clear consent, make opting out easy, are transparent, and keep personal data secure.

The introduction text builds trust with your customers. It invites them to participate and confirms the mobile number that will collect their replies.

A Faretext expert will help build your first few SMS surveys and workflows. After that, we give you access to your own workflow builder.

Every message sent and reply received is automatically recorded. Replies can be sorted and labelled by category. All data can be downloaded in Excel or CSV format.

Yes. Each live survey needs its own dedicated reply number to ensure responses are correctly matched to the right survey.

Reminders aren't sent automatically, but it's easy to identify non-responders and send a friendly follow-up SMS.

SMS surveys support rating scales (1-5 or 1-10), multiple-choice options, and open-ended questions where customers write their own response.

Email to SMS converts a standard email into a text message. Instead of logging into a platform or integrating an API, you send an email to a specific address format and it's delivered as SMS.

SMS to email is the reverse: when a customer replies to your text, their SMS reply is converted into an email delivered to your inbox. Available when you rent a dedicated reply number.

Yes. Once your Faretext email to SMS account is set up, you send texts by composing a standard email addressed to the recipient's mobile number followed by our email domain.

Sign up and choose 'Email to SMS' as your connection type. We configure your account, confirm your sending email address, and set up reply numbers if needed.

Compose a new email in your email client (Outlook, Gmail, etc.). In the "To" field, enter the recipient's mobile number with country code, followed by @emailsms.co.uk.

Yes. Add multiple addresses in the "To" or "BCC" field, each formatted as a mobile number @emailsms.co.uk.

The fastest way to start sending business texts without any technical setup. No software to install, no API to integrate, works with any email client, and free to set up.

Yes. Our system automatically strips email signatures from your message before converting to SMS.

Messages are limited to 918 characters (6 concatenated SMS parts). If your email exceeds this, it will be truncated.

Yes. Messages are delivered via direct network routes, the same infrastructure used by our REST API. Your texts reach recipients on any UK mobile network.

Yes. Your account only accepts emails from your authorised email address. Messages are transmitted securely through our SMSC infrastructure.

Only emails from pre-authorised sender addresses are processed. Emails from unrecognised addresses are rejected automatically.

Oello is Faretext's web-based SMS platform. Send individual or bulk messages, manage contacts, track deliveries and run campaigns from your browser without writing any code.

The SMS API is for developers who want to integrate programmatically. Oello is a ready-to-use web application for businesses that want to send SMS without any technical setup.

You can start with free credits to test. After that, Oello uses pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees, no contracts, and no minimum spend.

Yes. Upload contacts via CSV, organise them into groups, and send campaigns to thousands of recipients at once.

No. Oello is entirely web-based and runs in any modern browser including Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.

International SMS is the delivery of text messages to mobile numbers outside the UK. Each destination country has its own rules for sender ID, content, registration, and delivery.

Faretext supports SMS delivery to 230+ countries worldwide. Each country has different sender ID rules, registration requirements, and content restrictions.

Three types: Alphanumeric (up to 11 characters, available in 186 countries), Long Code (10-15 digit phone number, supports two-way messaging), and Short Code (3-7 digits, high throughput, available in 14 countries).

Some countries block alphanumeric sender IDs entirely (e.g. the US), while others overwrite unregistered IDs with random numbers. In countries requiring registration, sending without completing the process will replace your brand name.

DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is India's mandatory registration system for all A2P SMS. Every business sending SMS to Indian numbers must register their entity, sender ID, and message templates on a DLT platform.

In 39 countries, every message template must be submitted and approved before you can send. This applies in India, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, and others.

Varies by country. Simple registrations take a few days. India DLT: 2-4 weeks. Short codes: 8-12 weeks. Government-level approval: 30-90+ days.

It depends on the destination. Many countries accept alphanumeric sender IDs, but 53 countries require pre-registration and some don't support alphanumeric IDs at all.

Less reliable than UK reports. Some networks only confirm the message reached the network, not the handset. Faretext uses direct carrier connections and provides transparent reporting.

Pricing varies by destination country and sender ID type. Visit our international pricing page for rates and volume discounts.

Yes, but with significant restrictions. India restricts promotional SMS to 10am-9pm. France bans marketing after 20:30 and on Sundays. Some countries require promotional prefixes.

Your message will either be blocked entirely or delivered with your sender ID replaced by a random number. In countries with template pre-approval (like India), unregistered messages are silently dropped.

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation messaging protocol. It enables branded sender profiles with verified logos, rich media, interactive buttons, carousels, read receipts, and typing indicators.

No. RCS builds on top of SMS. When an RCS message cannot be delivered, it automatically falls back to SMS. SMS remains the universal messaging layer.

Three, EE, Lycamobile, O2, Sky Mobile, and Vodafone. With Apple adding RCS support in iOS 18, estimated UK reach is approximately 70% of smartphone users.

Basic RCS (text-only with verified sender, up to 4,000 characters), Single RCS (rich messages with images, video, buttons), and Conversational RCS (session-based pricing for unlimited two-way exchanges within 24 hours).

Pricing varies by UK network and type. Basic: £0.0296-£0.0510, Single: £0.0413-£0.0886, Conversational: £0.0890-£0.1800 per session. Setup includes platform enablement (£1,800), brand verification (£450), and template configuration (£350).

No. Unlike SMS, RCS requires agent registration, carrier approval, brand verification, and template configuration before you can send.

An RCS agent is your brand's verified identity in the RCS ecosystem, including your logo, brand name, description, and contact information.

Yes. Apple added RCS support in iOS 18, released September 2024. Previously, RCS was limited to Android devices.

The message automatically falls back to SMS. This is built into the RCS protocol, ensuring 100% reach.

RCS availability varies by country and network. International pricing and regulatory requirements differ by territory.

Both offer rich media, interactive elements, and branded messaging. RCS works in the native messaging app (no download required), while WhatsApp requires the app installed. WhatsApp has broader international adoption; RCS has the advantage of being built-in.

SMS fallback means when an RCS message can't be delivered, it's automatically sent as standard SMS. This guarantees 100% reach regardless of device support.

The WhatsApp Business Platform (formerly the WhatsApp Business API) is Meta's official enterprise messaging product, built for companies that need to send messages at volume.

Since July 2025, WhatsApp charges per delivered template message. Three categories: Marketing (always charged), Utility (free during an open service window), and Authentication (same as Utility). Non-template replies within a service window are free.

It depends on the use case. For customer support, WhatsApp is often cheaper because non-template replies are free. For simple one-way notifications, SMS is typically more cost-effective.

No. WhatsApp Business requires Meta Business verification, phone number registration, and template approval before you can send.

When a customer messages your business, a 24-hour window opens for free-form replies at no cost. Once it closes, you can only send pre-approved template messages.

Pre-approved message formats for use outside the 24-hour service window. Templates must be submitted to Meta for review and typically take 24-48 hours for approval.

No. WhatsApp reaches approximately 75% of UK adults. It also requires a smartphone, the app, and internet connectivity. The most effective strategy uses both channels.

WhatsApp carries the same GDPR obligations: explicit opt-in consent for marketing, a data processing agreement covering Meta, and records of consent and message history.

Meta assigns a quality rating based on customer feedback (blocks and reports). A high rating (green) allows unrestricted messaging; a low rating limits your sending capacity.

Yes. WhatsApp has over two billion users across 180+ countries. Adoption varies by market: dominant in the UK, India, Brazil, and Europe, but less prevalent in the US and China.

They receive an SMS instead. Faretext provides both WhatsApp and SMS with automatic fallback configured.

Some providers use reverse-engineered consumer WhatsApp instead of Meta's official Platform. This violates Meta's Terms of Service and risks permanent phone number bans and GDPR non-compliance.

No. Use SMS as your primary channel and add WhatsApp where it delivers additional value. SMS reaches every mobile phone without requiring an app or internet connection.

Services are the tools you use to send SMS (API, Oello, Email to SMS). Solutions show how those tools apply to your specific situation. Services = what you send with; solutions = how you use them.

Start with what you want to achieve. Business SMS gives a complete overview. Industries covers healthcare, retail, hospitality, recruitment, and more.

Not necessarily. Business SMS, Industries, and Web Communications offer no-code options through Oello and Email to SMS. App Integration requires API integration.

Yes. All solutions share the same Faretext account and SMS credits. You might use Business SMS for notifications, E-commerce SMS for order updates, and App Integration for two-factor authentication.

All solutions use the same pay-as-you-go credits. No separate charges for choosing a solution. You pay per message, with volume discounts at higher tiers.

Yes. For requirements beyond standard solutions, we offer managed services and bespoke integrations through Codapt, our software development arm.

Yes. Every solution includes GDPR compliance as standard: opt-in/opt-out management, consent tracking, data retention controls, and full audit trails.

Create a free account and receive 25 credits to test any solution. No credit card required, no contracts, no setup fees.

Business SMS is the use of text messaging by organisations to communicate with customers, employees, or stakeholders. It uses professional platforms with bulk sending, custom sender IDs, delivery reports, and automated messaging.

UK business SMS costs between 3-7p per message depending on volume. Pay-as-you-go with no contracts or monthly fees. Average ROI of £71 per £1 spent.

Standard SMS is a single message to one recipient. Bulk SMS sends the same or personalised messages to large groups simultaneously. Faretext supports both with contact groups, mail merge, and high-throughput delivery.

Yes, following ICO and PECR rules. You need explicit consent, must identify your business clearly, and provide an easy opt-out. Faretext handles STOP replies automatically.

Healthcare (appointment reminders), retail (promotions), hospitality (bookings), recruitment (candidate notifications), financial services (security alerts), and property (viewing reminders).

Yes. Mail merge fields let you personalise each message with the recipient's name, appointment time, order number, or custom data. Personalised messages significantly improve engagement.

The sender ID is the name or number that appears as "from" on the recipient's device. Set a custom alphanumeric sender ID (up to 11 characters) so your business name appears. Note: replies are not possible with alphanumeric sender IDs.

Faretext automatically processes STOP replies and adds them to your suppression list. These contacts are excluded from future messages. You can also manually add numbers to your blocklist.

Faretext maintains a 98.5% delivery rate through direct connections to UK mobile networks. You receive real-time delivery reports for every message.

Within minutes. Register, choose your sending method, and we verify your account. You receive 25 free credits immediately. No contracts, no setup fees.

Healthcare (appointment reminders), retail (order updates), financial services (2FA and alerts), recruitment (interview confirmations), and hospitality (booking reminders). Faretext serves 20+ sectors.

Yes. Healthcare providers use SMS under NHS Digital guidelines. Financial institutions use it for 2FA and fraud alerts. Faretext supports compliance with opt-out handling, data encryption, and UK-based storage.

Absolutely. Reminders sent 24-48 hours before an appointment can reduce no-shows by up to 40%. Widely used in healthcare, dentistry, hospitality, and recruitment.

SMS reminders are read within 90 seconds. Many NHS trusts report 25-40% reductions in missed appointments. Missed NHS appointments cost an estimated £216 million per year.

GDPR, PECR, and FCA guidelines. Transactional messages (2FA, fraud alerts) don't need marketing consent. Promotional messages do. Faretext handles opt-out processing automatically.

Yes. SMS achieves a 45% response rate vs 6% for email, making it effective for interview confirmations, job alerts, application updates, and onboarding instructions.

Yes, when used correctly. Marketing needs explicit opt-in consent. Transactional messages (deliveries, reminders, security codes) fall under "legitimate interest." Faretext handles STOP replies automatically.

With 98% open rate and messages read within 90 seconds, SMS ensures promotions and cart recovery nudges are seen. Triggered SMS messages generate 26% of all SMS-driven orders.

Yes. Around 70% of carts are abandoned. SMS recovery messages achieve 19% click-through rates vs 2% for email. Send within 30 minutes of abandonment for best results.

Our SMS API works with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, and custom platforms. Configure triggers (order placed, item shipped, cart abandoned) to send API requests. Email-to-SMS works with automated email workflows.

Ideal. Customers expect instant confirmation, and SMS delivers within seconds. Dispatch notifications with tracking links reduce "where is my order?" queries. These transactional messages don't require marketing consent under GDPR.

Average ROI of 71:1. Revenue from recovered carts, repeat purchases from re-engagement, and reduced support costs. Typical message cost: 3-7p.

For marketing (promotions, sales): explicit opt-in needed. For transactional messages (order confirmations, dispatch alerts): "legitimate interest" applies without marketing consent. Faretext handles opt-out automatically.

Yes. Dynamic fields insert customer name, order number, product details, tracking links, delivery dates, and discount codes. Personalised cart recovery messages significantly outperform generic ones.

98% open rate vs 20-30%, 45% response rate vs 6%, read in 90 seconds vs 6 hours. Use SMS for urgent, action-oriented messages; email for detailed content.

Three ways: SMS API for developer triggers, Email-to-SMS for converting email notifications, and Oello for browser-based management.

Yes. Your website sends a request to our API with the phone number and message. The SMS is delivered within seconds. Works with any form builder or CMS: WordPress, Shopify, custom PHP, React.

Not necessarily. Oello needs no technical skills. Email-to-SMS requires minimal configuration. The SMS API requires developer integration but our code samples make it straightforward.

Yes. Any data collected from the form (customer name, booking reference, appointment date) can be inserted into message templates via the API.

Typically 1-3 seconds. Each message is processed instantly and routed directly to the mobile network in real time.

Yes. Transactional messages (confirmations, verification codes) fall under "legitimate interest." Promotional messages need explicit opt-in, typically via a form checkbox. Faretext handles opt-out automatically.

UK SMS costs 3-7p per message. No setup fees, no monthly charges. 25 free credits on sign-up. See pricing for volume discounts.

Integrate our SMS API into your app's backend. Send HTTPS requests with recipient number, message, and API key. Works with iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, and any server-side framework.

SMS 2FA significantly improves security compared to passwords alone. Recommended by NIST as an acceptable second factor and used by over 80% of businesses. It works on every phone without a separate authenticator app.

Typically 1-3 seconds. Sub-200ms API latency with 98.5% delivery rates on direct network routes.

Yes. Push notifications fail when apps aren't installed, notifications are disabled, or there's no internet. SMS bypasses all these limitations and reaches 100% of mobile phones.

Code samples in cURL, PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, .NET/C#, and Ruby. Additional examples available on request. Our RESTful API works with any language that makes HTTPS requests.

Up to 600 messages per second with sub-200ms latency. For enterprise-scale, our SMPP integration offers sustained high-volume throughput.

Rent a reply number and configure a webhook endpoint. We send HTTP POST requests with sender number, message content, and timestamp for your app to process.

No setup fees, no monthly charges. Pay only for messages sent (3-7p per UK SMS). 25 free credits to test. Volume pricing available for high-traffic apps.

Oello or Email to SMS are best starting points. Both require zero technical knowledge. Oello offers campaign builder, contact management, and analytics. As your needs grow, add API integration.

When you want SMS integrated into existing software: CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, booking tools. Typically used by businesses with development resources. Supports seven languages with comprehensive documentation.

Yes. Many customers start with Oello or Email to SMS, then scale to thousands via API. Your account, credits, and contacts carry over. Volume discounts apply automatically.

We offer the same competitive pay-as-you-go pricing with automatic volume discounts. No setup costs or monthly fees. Contact us on 01142 945 993 for specific requirements.

UK-based support with optional dedicated account management. Technical onboarding, API integration support, custom sender ID configuration, and SLA-backed uptime guarantees.

Yes. A single account supports multiple departments, each with their own sender ID, contact lists, and reporting. Sub-account functionality available for enterprise.

With Oello or Email to SMS: within five minutes. API integration: 15-30 minutes. No approval processes or waiting periods. 25 free credits available immediately.

Yes! When you register for a new account you receive 25 free credits to test our service. There is no commitment or obligation. After that, the minimum purchase is 1,000 credits.

Both use direct carrier routes. UK Direct is optimised for UK mobile networks with tiered volume discounts. International covers 230+ countries with per-country, per-network pricing.

We accept payment via GoCardless Direct Debit, making top-ups quick and easy. Simply choose how many credits you need, and payment is taken securely.

No. Your purchased credits remain in your account with no expiry date, provided your account remains active. Use them whenever you need.

Absolutely. For large volumes, UK or international, we offer bespoke rates. Visit the UK pricing or international pricing pages to request a quote.

Credits give you a simple, transparent way to manage your messaging budget. Each credit equals one standard SMS of up to 160 characters. Longer messages use more credits. You always know exactly what you're paying.

A single SMS can contain up to 160 standard characters (or 70 unicode). Longer messages up to 918 characters (6 credits) are automatically joined on the recipient's phone. See our guide to SMS encoding for details.

Credits don't expire provided your account remains active. Dynamic sender ID lets you set your company name (max 11 characters). Free replies means inbound replies are free when using a dedicated reply number.

International SMS is priced per credit on a per-country, per-network basis. Each credit equals one standard SMS of up to 160 characters. Visit our international pricing page for per-network pricing.

Over 230 countries and territories worldwide with direct carrier connections for reliable delivery.

Yes. One credit equals one standard SMS of up to 160 characters. Longer messages use additional credits. Unicode characters have lower limits per credit.

Yes. Contact us to discuss requirements and receive a tailored quote for specific destinations.

Support varies by country. Many accept alphanumeric sender IDs, but some require pre-registration or only support numeric senders.

Some countries have content restrictions, sender ID pre-registration, or opt-in requirements. See our SMS fraud prevention guide for compliance details.

API Key (recommended for new integrations) and Legacy (username/password). Both work with identical endpoints and parameters.

Code examples in cURL, PHP, Python, Node.js, C#, Java, and Ruby. Additional examples in ASP Classic, ASP.NET, Perl, Delphi, and VB6 on request. Works with any language that makes HTTP calls. See our developer API documentation for details.

Yes. Separate phone numbers with semicolons in the recipient parameter. Each recipient is charged as a separate message.

Standard SMS is 160 characters. Longer messages are split into parts (153 characters each) and reassembled on the recipient's phone. Each part counts as one credit.

Yes. Use the sendondate parameter with YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format. The time uses UK/GMT timezone.

Include a reporturl parameter with your server URL. When message status changes, we send an HTTP GET request with messageid, reporttype, and destination parameters.

Full international format without the leading + sign. For UK: 447700900000 (replace leading 0 with 44). No spaces, dashes, or brackets.

Up to 11 alphanumeric characters for UK messages. This is the name that appears as the sender on the recipient's phone.

Both are identical in functionality. GET passes parameters in the URL (simpler for testing but exposes credentials). POST sends in the request body (recommended for production, more secure).

Standard GSM characters fit within 160 characters. Unicode characters (emojis, accented characters) reduce the limit to 70 per segment. URL-encode the messagedata parameter when using GET requests.

Yes, the SMS Command Centre is completely free for all Faretext customers. No setup fees, no monthly charges. If you have a Faretext account, you have full access.

Visit faretext-api.co.uk and log in with your existing credentials. Available 24/7 from any browser.

Yes. Switch between multiple Faretext accounts from a single login. Each maintains its own delivery statistics, credit balance, and billing history.

Up to 10,000 recent records with filters for date range, delivery status, and recipient. Export reports for historical data beyond this limit.

Yes. Filter by date, view in detail, and download directly from the Command Centre.

Credit/debit card, Apple Pay (via Stripe), or pro-forma invoices for bank transfers. Card and Apple Pay are processed instantly. Auto top-up is available.

Yes. Quick SMS lets you send to up to 50 contacts without API integration. Ideal for quick alerts and test messages.

Auto top-up adds credits when your balance drops below your threshold. Low balance alerts notify you by email. Both are configurable in settings.

No. Entirely web-based. Works in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. Nothing to download or update.

Yes. Responsive design works on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Check stats, top up credits, and manage your account on the go.

Bulk messaging (CSV uploads, contact groups, scheduled campaigns), SMS surveys, API access management, and opt-out control. Rolling out at no extra cost.

Call 0114 294 5993 or use the contact page. We help with account access, feature guidance, and billing queries.