Prohibited business categories are types of businesses or industries that are completely banned from sending SMS marketing messages through Twilio. These restrictions exist due to federal regulations, carrier policies, and consumer protection laws.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Violating these category restrictions can result in immediate account termination with no appeal process.
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payday Loans | • Cash advance services<br>• Short-term lending<br>• Emergency loan providers | High consumer complaint rates, predatory lending concerns | Email marketing with proper disclosures |
| Third-Party Loans | • Loan brokers<br>• Loan matching services<br>• Affiliate loan programs | Cannot verify actual lender, consent issues | Direct lender messaging only |
| Cryptocurrency | • Bitcoin trading platforms<br>• Crypto investment apps<br>• Blockchain services | High volatility, regulatory uncertainty | Educational content via email |
| Stock/Investment Platforms | • Day trading apps<br>• Investment advice services<br>• Trading signal providers | Financial advice regulations, high risk | Transactional messages only (2FA, alerts) |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Brokers | • Consumer information sellers<br>• Lead generation companies<br>• Contact list providers | Consent cannot be transferred between parties | Direct relationship building |
| Affiliate Marketing | • Commission-based promotions<br>• Third-party product sales<br>• Referral programs | Unclear consent chain, spam potential | First-party marketing only |
| Political Outreach | • Voter database messaging<br>• Campaign text programs<br>• Political fundraising | Cannot use voter registration for consent | Direct opt-in campaigns |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt Collection | • Third-party collectors<br>• Debt buying companies<br>• Collection agencies | Consumer protection laws, harassment potential | First-party billing communications |
| Debt Consolidation | • Debt relief services<br>• Credit repair companies<br>• Debt settlement firms | Predatory practices, regulatory issues | Educational content via other channels |
| Credit Repair | • Credit score improvement<br>• Credit report services<br>• Credit monitoring | Often misleading claims, regulatory scrutiny | Legitimate financial education |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-from-Home | • "Earn $5000/week" programs<br>• Envelope stuffing<br>• Data entry schemes | Usually fraudulent, high complaint rates | Legitimate job postings |
| Investment Schemes | • Guaranteed returns<br>• Risk-free investments<br>• Pyramid structures | Fraudulent claims, regulatory violations | Legitimate investment education |
| Mystery Shopping | • Fake mystery shopper jobs<br>• Check cashing schemes<br>• Advance fee frauds | Often money laundering fronts | Legitimate market research |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis/CBD | • Dispensaries<br>• CBD oil sales<br>• Hemp products<br>• Medical marijuana | Federal prohibition regardless of state laws | Email with age verification |
| Kratom | • Kratom vendors<br>• Herbal supplements<br>• Alternative medicine | Unregulated substance, safety concerns | Educational content only |
| Paraphernalia | • Smoking accessories<br>• Vaping supplies<br>• Drug-related items | Associated with controlled substances | Product education via other channels |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Pharmacies | • Prescription drug sales<br>• Medication delivery<br>• Rx discount programs | Requires medical licensing, safety concerns | Licensed pharmacy communications |
| Prescription Offers | • Discount medications<br>• Generic drug promotions<br>• Rx coupons | Medical regulation compliance required | Healthcare provider communications |
| Subcategory | Examples | Why Prohibited | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | • Casino apps<br>• Slot machine games<br>• Poker platforms | Gambling regulations, addiction concerns | Entertainment app marketing |
| Sports Betting | • Sportsbook promotions<br>• Betting odds<br>• Fantasy sports | State-by-state regulations, compliance complexity | Email in legal jurisdictions |
| Sweepstakes | • Prize promotions<br>• Contest entries<br>• Lottery-style games | Gambling law complications | Social media promotions |