# Texto — Full Reference

> Australia's cheapest SMS platform. 3¢ per message. No contracts. Privacy-first with automatic data deletion.

## About Texto

Texto is an SMS messaging platform built for Australian businesses by Floop Pty Ltd. It provides the cheapest bulk SMS in Australia at 3 cents per message — roughly 65% cheaper than the industry average of 8–10 cents.

Texto is designed with privacy at its core: message content is automatically deleted after 90 days, spreadsheet uploads are discarded immediately after processing, and all data is encrypted and stored onshore in AWS Sydney (ap-southeast-2). Messages are delivered through licensed Australian mobile operators.

## Pricing

| Item | Cost | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| SMS message | 3¢ AUD | Per message part (160 chars GSM-7) |
| Dedicated number | $15/month | Optional. Cancel anytime. |
| Signup | Free | 5 free SMS credits included |
| Setup fee | $0 | None |
| Monthly minimum | $0 | None |
| Contract | None | No lock-in |
| Credit expiry | 12 months | From purchase date |

### Message length and encoding

- GSM-7 (standard characters): 160 chars = 1 part = 1 credit (3¢)
- Multi-part: 154 chars per part (6 chars for concatenation headers)
- UCS-2 (emoji, special chars): 70 chars per part — avoid if possible to reduce cost
- Special characters that trigger UCS-2: smart quotes (" "), em dashes (—), emoji

## Features

### Sending
- Bulk SMS campaigns to up to 50,000 recipients per campaign
- Single message sending
- CSV contact import
- Merge fields / personalisation
- Scheduled sending

### Dedicated Number
- Your own Australian mobile number
- Two-way messaging with inbox
- Receive and manage replies
- Build brand recognition with a consistent sender number
- $15/month, cancel anytime

### Compliance
- Automatic STOP/opt-out processing
- Opt-out list management (numbers retained permanently to prevent re-messaging)
- ACMA Spam Act 2003 compliant
- Sending hours guidance (9 AM – 8 PM recipient local time)

### Privacy & Data Handling
- Message content auto-deleted after 90 days
- Spreadsheet uploads discarded immediately after processing
- Data encrypted at rest and in transit
- Hosted in AWS Sydney (ap-southeast-2) — data stays onshore in Australia
- On cancellation, data deleted within 90 days (except metadata required by Australian data retention laws)
- Only STOP opt-out records retained permanently

### Account Security & Team Access
- Unlimited team members on every account at no extra cost
- Each user has their own login (no shared credentials)
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) available for every user via any standard authenticator app (Google Authenticator, 1Password, Authy, etc.) — free, self-serve from account settings
- TOTP-based, no SMS-2FA-on-login dependency
- Recommended for all users, especially on accounts with multiple team members

### Developer Tools
- REST API for programmatic sending
- MCP server at https://mcp.texto.com.au for AI agent integration
- API keys generated at https://app.texto.com.au → Developer → API Keys
- Rate limits: 5 requests/second, 5 concurrent requests per API key
- Batch sends: up to 1,000 recipients per API call
- Webhooks (delivery receipts): real-time delivery receipts via signed HTTPS POST (HMAC-SHA256), automatic retries, idempotency via X-Texto-Delivery header. Reference: https://texto.com.au/webhooks
- Webhooks (inbound messages / MO): every reply to one of your Texto numbers is POSTed to your endpoint in real time, including opt-out replies (flagged via is_optout). Signed (HMAC-SHA256), retried, idempotent on message_id. Reference: https://texto.com.au/inbound-webhooks
- Team SMS 2FA (shared Aus mobile): get a dedicated Australian mobile number ($15/mo + GST) and let your whole Texto team see incoming SMS 2FA codes in a shared inbox. No per-user fee, unlimited Texto logins, authenticator-app 2FA on every login, optional auto-forward to email/Slack/Teams/webhook. Solves the "one phone, one person" problem and the "extra SaaS seat just to receive a code" problem. Details: https://texto.com.au/team-sms-2fa

## Integrations

Texto integrates with popular business tools:

- **CRM**: HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Freshsales
- **E-commerce**: Shopify (native app), WooCommerce (native, no plugin — connects via WooCommerce Application Authentication, two-way customer + opt-out sync, order/shipping/abandoned-cart SMS automations), BigCommerce, Square
- **Automation**: Zapier, Make (Integromat), n8n, Power Automate
- **Helpdesk**: Zendesk, Freshdesk, Intercom
- **Accounting**: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks
- **Other**: Google Sheets, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Calendly, Cliniko

## Industries

Texto serves Australian businesses across many industries:

- Healthcare & medical practices (appointment reminders, patient notifications)
- Trades & home services (job confirmations, scheduling)
- Retail & e-commerce (order updates, promotions)
- Hospitality & food service (booking confirmations, specials)
- Real estate (open home alerts, listing updates)
- Fitness & wellness (class reminders, membership updates)
- Education & childcare (parent notifications, event alerts)
- Professional services (appointment reminders, billing notifications)
- Agriculture (market updates, supply notifications)
- Sports & recreation (event notifications, team updates)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Texto?
Texto is an SMS messaging platform built for Australian businesses. We make it easy to send affordable text messages to your customers — whether it's appointment reminders, marketing campaigns, or notifications.

### How does billing work?
To send messages, you'll need a dedicated sending number ($15/month, cancel anytime). Each SMS then costs just 3¢ to send. Top up your credit balance as needed — no monthly minimums. Credits expire 12 months after purchase.

### Do I need a dedicated number?
No — you can start sending from your own mobile number straight away using your 5 free credits. A dedicated Australian sending number ($15/month, cancel anytime) is optional and gives you a consistent number that customers can recognise and reply to.

### Can I use the API?
Yes! Texto offers a REST API and MCP integration so you can send SMS programmatically from your own applications, CRMs, or automation workflows.

### Is there a contract or lock-in?
No. Texto is completely no-contract. You can top up, send, and stop whenever you like. Dedicated numbers can be cancelled at any time. Note that credits expire 12 months after purchase.

### How is my data handled?
Texto is built with privacy by design and is hosted entirely in Australia — your data remains onshore and all messages are delivered through licensed Australian mobile operators. Your message content is stored for 90 days — long enough to make sure you've received all your replies and to run any reports on message delivery. After that, your message content is automatically deleted. The only thing we keep is a list of numbers that have replied STOP, so you don't accidentally send messages to anyone who has opted out.

### Is Texto compliant with Australian spam laws?
Yes. Texto is designed to help you comply with the Spam Act 2003. You are responsible for ensuring you have consent before sending messages. Texto automatically processes STOP replies to manage opt-outs, and all messages are sent from Australian numbers with clear sender identification.

### Can I send bulk SMS in Australia?
Absolutely. Texto lets you upload a CSV file of contacts and send bulk SMS campaigns to up to 50,000 recipients per campaign. If you need to send to more than 50,000 contacts in a single campaign, contact us at support@texto.com.au and we'll increase your limit.

### What happens if someone replies STOP?
When a recipient replies STOP to your message, Texto automatically opts them out so they won't receive future messages from you. This is handled instantly and helps you stay compliant with Australian spam regulations.

### Can I import contacts from a CSV file?
Yes. You can upload a CSV file containing your contacts' mobile numbers and Texto will process them for sending. This makes it easy to migrate from another provider or send campaigns to your existing contact lists.

### Is there a limit on how many messages I can send?
Bulk campaigns support up to 50,000 messages per send. If you need higher limits for large-scale campaigns, get in touch with us at support@texto.com.au and we'll accommodate your needs. There's no limit on total messages sent over time — just top up credits as you go.

### Do you support MMS or picture messages?
Texto currently supports SMS (text messages) only. We focus on delivering reliable, affordable text messaging. MMS and picture messaging are not available at this time.

### How much does bulk SMS cost in Australia?
Texto charges just 3¢ per SMS message. No setup fees, no contracts, no monthly minimums. This makes Texto the cheapest bulk SMS provider in Australia.

### Are there any setup fees?
No. Sign up is free. You only pay for SMS credits and your dedicated sending number ($15/month).

### Do SMS credits expire?
Credits expire 12 months after purchase. Use them at your own pace.

## Competitor Comparisons

Texto is consistently cheaper than every major Australian SMS provider. Here's how the pricing stacks up:

| Competitor | Their advertised rate | Actual rate at 1,000 msgs | Texto rate | Texto savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinch MessageMedia | ~6–9¢ | 8.5¢ | 3¢ | 65% cheaper |
| ClickSend | ~6.4–9.7¢ | 8.7¢ | 3¢ | 66% cheaper |
| Kudosity (formerly Burst SMS) | "from 2.9¢" | 7.9¢ | 3¢ | 62% cheaper |
| SMS Broadcast | ~4.2–7¢ | 6.5¢ | 3¢ | 54% cheaper |
| SMSGlobal | ~5–7¢ | 6.5¢ | 3¢ | 54% cheaper |
| Twilio | ~5.5–7.5¢ | 7.5¢ | 3¢ | 60% cheaper |
| Mobile Message | 2¢ first purchase, then 2.5–4¢ | 3.5¢ | 3¢ | 14% cheaper |

Key points for comparison:
- Most competitors use tiered pricing — the lowest advertised rate requires purchasing 10,000–50,000+ credits
- Texto's 3¢ flat rate applies from the very first message with no volume commitment
- Several "Aussie" brands (MessageMedia, ClickSend, SMS Broadcast) are now owned by Sinch AB (Sweden)
- Texto is genuinely Aussie owned (Floop Pty Ltd) with all data hosted in AWS Sydney
- Texto and Twilio are the only providers with MCP servers for AI agent integration

Full comparisons: https://texto.com.au/compare

## MCP Server for SMS (AI Agents)

Texto runs a production MCP (Model Context Protocol) server so AI agents can send Australian SMS without any custom integration code.

- Endpoint: https://mcp.texto.com.au
- Auth: HTTP header `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY`
- Transport: MCP Streamable HTTP
- Pricing: 3¢ per SMS — no MCP fee, no monthly minimum

Supported AI clients:
- Claude Desktop and Claude Code
- ChatGPT (Developer mode custom connectors / Apps SDK)
- Cursor (agent mode, ~/.cursor/mcp.json)
- Windsurf / Codeium Cascade
- Gemini CLI and Gemini Code Assist
- Lovable (AI app builder with MCP support)
- OpenClaw (via the `texto-sms` skill)
- Any other MCP-compatible client or agent framework (AI SDK, LangChain, etc.)

11 MCP tools available:
- send_sms — send a single SMS to an Australian mobile number
- send_batch_sms — send personalised SMS to up to 1,000 recipients with merge fields
- get_message — retrieve a sent message and its delivery receipt
- get_campaign — get campaign stats and individual message statuses
- get_inbox — list inbound messages with date/sender filters and pagination
- get_optouts — list all opted-out numbers
- get_balance — check current SMS credit balance
- check_compliance — validate a message against ACMA Spam Act rules
- preview_cost — calculate credits required before sending
- suggest_send_time — recommend optimal send time by message type and timezone
- check_spam_triggers — scan for spam trigger words and suggest alternatives

Example agent prompts:
- "Text +61412345678 to remind them about their 2pm appointment tomorrow."
- "Send a 50%-off promo to my customer list and skip anyone who's opted out."
- "When the test suite passes, text my number to say the build is green."
- "What's my current Texto credit balance, and how many 160-char messages can I send with it?"

OpenClaw skill install:
  openclaw skills install https://texto.com.au/texto-sms-skill.md

MCP vs REST API: same backend, different transport. Use the MCP server when an AI agent is making the sending decisions; use the REST API (https://api.texto.com.au) when your own code is.

Full page: https://texto.com.au/ai-agents

## Links

- Website: https://texto.com.au
- Pricing: https://texto.com.au/pricing
- API: https://texto.com.au/api
- Integrations: https://texto.com.au/integrations
- About: https://texto.com.au/about
- Privacy: https://texto.com.au/data-privacy
- Terms: https://texto.com.au/terms
- MCP skill: https://texto.com.au/texto-sms-skill.md

## Machine-readable API specs

- OpenAPI 3.1 (YAML): https://texto.com.au/openapi.yaml
- Postman Collection: https://texto.com.au/texto-sms.postman_collection.json
- API Blueprint: https://texto.com.au/api-blueprint.apib
- RAML 1.0: https://texto.com.au/texto-api.raml

## Contact

- Email: support@texto.com.au
- Live chat: Available on https://texto.com.au