855 Area Code
Toll-free numbers
The 855 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the fifth toll-free NPA in the NANP.
How 855 is used
Numbers in 855 are dialed as a full ten-digit number (1-855-NXX-XXXX) and are free to the caller; the called party pays a per-minute fee. They are issued through RespOrgs using the Somos toll-free database and are fully portable between carriers. 855 numbers are functionally interchangeable with 800, 833, 844, 866, 877 and 888.
- Purpose
- Toll-free numbers
- Assignee
- Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
- Dialed as
- 1-855-NXX-XXXX
History
Creation: Area code 855 was placed into service on October 9, 2010 as the fifth toll-free NPA, relieving 866 as its number pool neared exhaustion. It was the first new toll-free code in a decade following 866 in 2000, reflecting steady growth in toll-free use by businesses, customer service centers and call campaigns. Subsequent toll-free codes 844 (2013) and 833 (2017) followed at roughly three-to-four-year intervals.
Relieved: Area code 855 was activated to relieve 866.
Mnemonics: The digits 855 map to letter combinations on the standard telephone keypad, yielding 27 possible three-letter mnemonics. Prior to 1995, the middle digit of area codes was restricted to 0 or 1 — codes created before then cannot form mnemonics.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll-free_telephone_numbers_in_the_North_American_Numbering_Plan.
Other special-use area codes
Same-category codes first, then the rest of the NANP special-use portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is area code 855 used for?
855 is a special-use area code in the North American Numbering Plan. The 855 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the fifth toll-free NPA in the NANP.
How is 855 dialed?
Numbers in 855 are dialed as a full ten-digit number (1-855-NXX-XXXX). It is a non-geographic area code, so 1-855 numbers are not tied to any city or state.
Are 855 numbers free to call?
Yes. 855 is a toll-free area code: the called party (the business) pays the per-minute charge to its toll-free carrier, and the caller pays nothing. 855 numbers are interoperable with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 numbers.
Who called me from a 855 number?
A 855 number is toll-free, used by businesses and call centers, and also by robocallers. Toll-free caller ID is easy to spoof, so a 855 number does not identify a specific company. Recently, 8,315 unwanted-call complaints were reported to the FTC for numbers showing the 855 code (88% flagged as robocalls). If you did not expect the call, let it go to voicemail; a real caller will leave a message.
Is 855 a scam area code?
No. 855 is a legitimate toll-free code used by real businesses. But scammers use and spoof toll-free numbers too, so 855 on your caller ID proves nothing on its own. Recently, 8,315 unwanted-call complaints were reported to the FTC for numbers showing the 855 code (88% flagged as robocalls). Judge the call itself, not the code.
How do I block calls from 855 numbers?
Block the specific 855 number from your recent-calls list (iPhone: Block this Caller; Android: Block or report spam), turn on spam filtering from your carrier, and register at DoNotCall.gov. You can block all toll-free calls, but that also stops legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Who assigns 855 numbers?
Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
What did 855 relieve or replace?
Area code 855 was activated to relieve 866 as that pool of numbers neared exhaustion.
When did area code 855 go into service?
Area code 855 was placed into service on October 9, 2010. It was the 5th area code used for Toll-free.