Text Messaging Approval Checklist

Before applying to use SMS with PhoneBurner, it’s important to make sure that you meet the requirements set by U.S. mobile carriers. The checklist below outlines the website requirements that the carriers look for to approve your SMS campaign. 

⏳ Please note:
Approval is not guaranteed and may take 15–20 business days or longer. Final decisions are made by the mobile carriers—not PhoneBurner. However, we will support and advocate for you throughout the process.

SMS Application Requirements

✔️ Valid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
You must have a valid EIN for your organization. Sole proprietors are not eligible at this time due to carrier restrictions.

✔️ Business Website
You must have a live, accessible website that you control and can update as needed. Your website’s domain must match your business name or DBA that is linked to your EIN. 

✔️ Privacy Policy
Your website must include a privacy policy that explains how customer data is collected, used, and protected.

✔️ Terms and Conditions
Your website should include Terms and Conditions with a section dedicated to your SMS campaign. This typically includes message frequency, opt-out instructions, and other basic information about your texting practices.

👉 Here is a Terms and Conditions Template that you may use. 

Please note that you should consult with your legal team regarding whether these Terms and Conditions are appropriate for your business model. 

✔️ Written Consent to Text
Carriers require proof that your contacts have provided clear, written consent to receive text messages from your business. To demonstrate this:

You must have at least one contact form on your website that collects phone numbers and includes the following:

• Opt-in language stating that contacts agree to receive text messages from your business
  
  
• A link to your Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
  
  
• A checkbox (not pre-checked) for SMS consent that is separate from any other consents

Example opt-in language:
By clicking here, you agree to receive text messages about updates, service notifications, promotional offers, exclusive deals, and general announcements from [Your Business Name]. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to stop, HELP for help. See our Terms and Conditions [link] and Privacy Policy [link].

⚠️ If you do not currently collect phone numbers via a contact form, you will need to create or update a contact form to meet this requirement.

Here is an example of a contact form that meets our carrier’s requirements:

Please Note: Text messaging compliance is constantly changing, and new requirements are often introduced unexpectedly, which can be very frustrating. We appreciate your patience, as some adjustments to your websites and webforms may be needed after the work is done. Thank you for your understanding.

Need Help?

If you're unsure whether your website meets these requirements, we’re happy to guide you through the process after you apply. If you have questions or need clarification, reach out to us at trust@phoneburner.com.

NOTICE: The information on this page and any related links is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While PhoneBurner provides tools to enable the use of our platform, it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with all applicable telemarketing laws and regulations. We strongly advise that you seek legal counsel for specific guidance and advice on compliance matters. If you have any questions or concerns related to the use of our platform, please reach out to us at trust@phoneburner.com.