What are SMS shortcodes?

You’ve probably heard of SMS (Short Messaging Service) and maybe even Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) but what about shortcodes?

Well, shortcodes are short, easy-to-remember numbers between 3 and 6 digits (usually five digits long) that you can text to access services not typically covered by your standard mobile plan.

Chargeable shortcodes can be used to pay for certain types of services, like entering TV or radio competitions, donating to charity, paying for parking or voting on reality shows.

They can also be used to pay for subscriptions, such as shopping alerts.

So, it’s likely you’ve encountered shortcodes before, or you may do in future.

What are shortcodes also known as?

Shortcodes go by many names, but they all mean the same thing. You might hear them referred to as: • Premium numbers • Premium rate numbers • Recurring text message numbers • Charity donation numbers • Special numbers

At SMARTY, we’ve seen all these terms used—and probably a few more!

What are shortcodes used for?

Shortcodes can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Some of the most common include:

• Entering TV or radio competitions. • Donating to charity. • Voting on reality TV shows. • Confirming appointments (doctors, for example). • Responding to bank fraud alerts. • Texting the British Transport Police. • Subscription shortcodes (shopping alerts, horoscopes, etc.) • Paying for parking.

SMS shortcode lookup

Need to check a shortcode?

You're in luck—we’ve created a handy shortcode checker.

Simply enter a shortcode (3-6 digits), hit search, and we’ll show you its cost and details about the provider.

What’s the difference between free and chargeable shortcodes?

Why are some shortcodes free while others charge a fee? Here’s the difference:

• Free shortcodes: No cost to text! These are often used for confirming appointments or contacting emergency services (e.g., British Transport Police).

• Chargeable shortcodes: These come with a charge. To use them, you’ll need to purchase an out-of-plan add-on. Examples include charity donations and competition entries.

Not sure if a shortcode is free or paid? No worries—our shortcode checker can tell you in seconds!

What’s the difference between SMS shortcodes and longcodes?

A shortcode is between 3-6 digits long, while a longcode is up to 10 digits.

The difference? Shortcodes are mainly used for transactional services (e.g., payments, alerts), while longcodes are designed for lower-volume, two-way conversations like customer service.

How can I text shortcodes?

It's really easy. If your shortcode is free, text away.

To access chargeable shortcodes you'll need an out-of-plan add-on.

You can check the cost of the shortcode using our handy shortcode checker.

Does SMARTY now support shortcode messaging?

Yes! You asked, we delivered. If it wasn’t clear, we now support shortcodes. So, if you need to text a free shortcode, go ahead.

If you want to text a chargeable shortcode, you'll need an out-of-plan add-on.

Have any unanswered questions? Check out our help article for more information: A quick guide to shortcodes.