877 Area Code
Toll-free numbers
The 877 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the third toll-free NPA in the NANP.
How 877 is used
Numbers in 877 are dialed as a full ten-digit number (1-877-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. 877 numbers are functionally interchangeable with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866 and 888.
- Purpose
- Toll-free numbers
- Assignee
- Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
- Dialed as
- 1-877-NXX-XXXX
History
Creation: Area code 877 was placed into service on April 4, 1998 as the 236th area code in service and the third toll-free NPA, relieving 888 just over two years after that code itself opened. The rapid release reflected explosive demand for toll-free numbers from internet-era businesses and call centers. It paved the way for 866 (2000), 855 (2010), 844 (2013) and 833 (2017).
Relieved: Area code 877 was activated to relieve 888.
Mnemonics: The digits 877 map to letter combinations on the standard telephone keypad, yielding 48 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 877 used for?
877 is a special-use area code in the North American Numbering Plan. The 877 area code is reserved for toll-free numbers. It is the third toll-free NPA in the NANP.
How is 877 dialed?
Numbers in 877 are dialed as a full ten-digit number (1-877-NXX-XXXX). It is a non-geographic area code, so 1-877 numbers are not tied to any city or state.
Are 877 numbers free to call?
Yes. 877 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. 877 numbers are interoperable with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 numbers.
Who called me from a 877 number?
A 877 number is toll-free, used by businesses and call centers, and also by robocallers. Toll-free caller ID is easy to spoof, so a 877 number does not identify a specific company. Recently, 6,708 unwanted-call complaints were reported to the FTC for numbers showing the 877 code (86% flagged as robocalls). If you did not expect the call, let it go to voicemail; a real caller will leave a message.
Is 877 a scam area code?
No. 877 is a legitimate toll-free code used by real businesses. But scammers use and spoof toll-free numbers too, so 877 on your caller ID proves nothing on its own. Recently, 6,708 unwanted-call complaints were reported to the FTC for numbers showing the 877 code (86% flagged as robocalls). Judge the call itself, not the code.
How do I block calls from 877 numbers?
Block the specific 877 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 877 numbers?
Somos, Inc. (toll-free Responsible Organizations under FCC rules)
What did 877 relieve or replace?
Area code 877 was activated to relieve 888 as that pool of numbers neared exhaustion.
When did area code 877 go into service?
Area code 877 was placed into service on April 4, 1998. It was the 236th area code in service; 3rd area code used for Toll-free.