SMS opt-in wording builder
Good opt-in wording names your business, says what you’ll text and how often, notes that message and data rates may apply, and explains STOP and HELP. Fill in your details to get wording to copy, how to show it, and what to record for each person.
Your opt-in wording
[ ] I agree to receive recurring texts from Northwind about my request, including follow-up, offers and reminders, at the number above. Texts may be sent using automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency: up to 4 msgs a month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. For help, contact help@northwind.com. Terms: [link to your terms] Privacy policy: [link to your privacy policy]
Replace anything in [brackets]. A lawyer should review your final wording; this builder can’t make a program compliant on its own.
How to show it
- Put an unticked checkbox directly below the phone field, keep it apart from your terms, and let people submit the form without ticking it.
- CTIA asks that opt-in details “should not be obscured in terms and conditions”, so show the wording next to the box in readable type. CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, 2023
What to record for each person
- Phone number
- +1 614 555 0142
- Name or other identifier
- Jordan Lee
- Source (where and how)
- Demo form, northwind.com/demo
- Date and time
- 2026-10-14 10:42 ET
- Exact wording shown
- A copy of the checkbox text, or your form’s version number
- What they agreed to
- Follow-up, offers and reminders from Northwind
- IP address
- 203.0.113.24
- Opt-outs, with date
- STOP received 2026-11-02
What the wording covers, and why
Three sets of rules shape opt-in wording: the carriers’ guidance (CTIA), the US federal rule for marketing texts, and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). The builder adds each item when your choices call for it.
| Element | Why it’s there | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Your business name | People must know who will text them | CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, 2023 |
| What you’ll text, in plain words | CTIA asks for “the program or product description”; CASL asks for “the purpose or purposes” | CASL s. 10(1) |
| How often | CTIA’s confirmation asks for “the frequency of the messaging” | CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, 2023 |
| “Msg & data rates may apply” | CTIA asks for clear language about “any associated fees or charges” | CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, 2023 |
| STOP and HELP | How to opt out and get help, or a customer care contact | CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, 2023 |
| Consent is not a condition of purchase | Required in the US written agreement for marketing texts sent with an autodialer | 47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9) |
| Mailing address, a contact, and “you can withdraw consent” | Required in every CASL consent request | Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations (CRTC), s. 4 |
Match the wording to the strictest kind of text you plan to send. Under federal rules, marketing texts sent with an autodialer to mobile numbers need “prior express written consent” (47 CFR 64.1200), so if you might ever send offers, collect written consent from the start. After someone opts in, CTIA asks for a confirmation text with the program, how to get help, how to opt out, how often you’ll text and that fees may apply.
In Canada, a text asking someone to opt in counts as a commercial message, and the CRTC says a text message “cannot be used to elicit express consent” (CRTC Bulletin 2012-549). Ask on a form, at the counter or on a call. For the full examples, keyword opt-ins and the mistakes to avoid, read SMS opt-in language examples, and for Canada, CASL text messages. On Textually, each lead carries a consent source and date, and a text step won’t send without that record or a campaign-wide confirmation. This builder is not legal advice.
Questions
What should SMS opt-in wording include?
Your business name, what you will text, how often, “Msg & data rates may apply”, and how to reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help. For US marketing texts, add that consent is not a condition of purchase. For Canada, add a mailing address, a contact and a line saying consent can be withdrawn.
Is a checkbox enough for SMS consent?
An unticked checkbox the person ticks, with clear wording beside it, is the standard method for web forms in both countries. Store the date, time, page and wording with each tick. A pre-ticked box is not valid consent under CASL.
Can I get SMS consent verbally?
For informational texts, CTIA’s guidance accepts verbal permission. For US marketing texts, get it in writing as well, by web form or keyword reply. In Canada, oral consent needs an independent third party to verify it or a complete, unedited recording.
Does this wording make my texts compliant?
No wording does that on its own. It covers the items the carrier guidance, the US federal rule and CASL ask for in a consent request. You still need a record for each person, texts that match what they agreed to, and opt-outs honored. Ask a lawyer to review your final wording.