How to Get an 877 Number for Your Business ⚡
Thinking about getting an 877 number for your business, but not sure if it’s the real deal? You’re not alone. Lots of folks confuse toll free numbers with local area codes — or think if it’s not “1-800,” it’s not legit.
But here’s the truth: An 877 number is a toll free number, just like 800, 888, and the rest. It lets customers across the U.S. and Canada call you for free while giving your business a professional, nationwide presence.
In this guide, we’ll explain an 877 number, why it could be the perfect fit for your business, and how to claim one (without wasting time or money).
1. What is an 877 Number (& Why It’s Not an Area Code)
Let’s clear this up right away: 877 is not a regional area code. It’s one of several official toll-free prefixes regulated by the FCC as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). That includes:
These numbers are designed for one purpose: to make it free for customers to call your business. And because they aren’t tied to a specific city or region, they’re perfect for companies that operate in multiple markets or serve clients across North America.
Toll free numbers like 877 also come with porting protection, meaning you own the number and can move it between service providers with no downtime or disruption. This makes it easier to grow and protect your brand long-term.
2. Why an 877 Number Might Be the Smartest Toll-Free Option
Why not just get a 1-800 number? The short answer: Most of the good ones are gone. The longer answer: 877 numbers give you more control, more availability, and all the same benefits.
1) Better Inventory, Less Spam
Since 877 numbers were released later than 800 numbers, you’re more likely to find clean, available numbers that haven’t been recycled or misused. That means fewer wrong numbers, fewer robocalls, and a better overall experience.
2) Looks and Functions the Same as 800
To the average customer, there’s no real difference between a number that starts with 800 vs. 877. It’s toll-free, professional-looking, and shows you’re a serious business, not someone giving out their personal cell.
3) Easier to Find a Vanity Number
Looking for a custom number that spells something relevant to your business? You’ll have better luck with 877 than you will with 800. That makes it a clever play if you’re trying to stand out and be memorable in your marketing.
3. How to Get an 877 Number for Your Business
To get started, you don’t need a phone system or a second line. You can buy an 877 number online and forward calls to your existing phone.
Here’s how:
1) Pick the Right Provider
Look for a provider that’s designed for startups and small businesses, not bloated enterprise systems. You want no contracts, no setup fees, and full number ownership.
Providers like Unitel Voice make it easy to search for available 877 numbers and activate them in minutes.
2) Choose Your Number
You can search for something random, simple, or branded. Want a vanity number like 1-877-BEST-PAINTER? You’ll have a much better shot with the 877 prefix than 800.
3) Set It Up & Start Using It
Once your number is activated, you can forward it to your cell, set business hours, record a custom greeting, and manage everything online — no tech team is required.
4. What to Look for in a Toll Free Number Provider
Choosing the wrong provider can mean hidden fees, poor support, or worse — losing control of your number.
Here’s what matters most:
1) You Own the Number
If you don’t own your number, you can’t take it with you if you switch providers, which is a problem. Look for full portability rights and ownership.
2) Transparent Pricing
Avoid low advertised rates with fine print. You want flat monthly pricing with the features you need, including call forwarding, voicemail, texting, business hours, and more.
3) Easy-to-Use Tools
You shouldn’t need a manual to set up your phone system. Look for a simple dashboard, mobile access, and fast customer support when you need it.
Unitel Voice checks all these boxes — and it’s built specifically for small business owners, not IT departments.
5. Final Thoughts: A Flexible, Professional Number You Control
An 877 number gives your business a national presence and makes it easier for customers to call you, without being tied to a specific area code or location.
And because it’s toll-free and portable, it gives you long-term flexibility:
- You can forward calls to any device
- Add features as your business grows
- And move your number to another provider if you find a better fit
With a provider like Unitel Voice, you can get started for as little as $9.99/month, with your toll free number included.
6. 877 Number FAQs
1) Is 877 a real toll free number?
Yes. It’s one of several official toll-free prefixes regulated under the NANP. It works just like a 1-800 number.
2) Will people recognize 877 as toll-free?
Most people do. Toll free numbers are common across all industries, and 877 has been around since the late ’90s.
3) Can I forward calls from my 877 number to my cell phone?
Absolutely. That’s exactly how virtual phone systems work. You can take calls anywhere without giving out your personal number.
4) Can I get a vanity 877 number?
Yes. And you’re more likely to find a good one with the 877 prefix than with 800.
5) Do I have to sign a contract to get an 877 number?
Not with Unitel Voice. You can pay month-to-month with no setup fees and cancel anytime.
