VoIP numbers are US phone numbers that live in an app, not on a SIM. They are free or very cheap, work anywhere with internet, and are handy for everyday calls and non-sensitive sign-ups. Their big weakness is that many banks, brokers and payment apps reject them.
Use a VoIP number as a secondary number. Put your bank 2FA on a real carrier line instead (see Choosing a US number).
Why VoIP numbers get rejected
Businesses can check a number's line type in real time. Twilio's Lookup API, for example, classifies numbers as mobile, landline, fixedVoip or nonFixedVoip, and is marketed specifically to "flag risky VoIP numbers." Free app numbers usually show up as nonFixedVoip, and many sign-up flows block that category.
Venmo is a commonly cited example. It reportedly does not accept Google Voice or other VoIP numbers for verification. Other fintechs, banks and some social platforms behave similarly, and the rules change without notice.
Google Voice
Requirements
- Free personal Google Voice is available only in the US. Setup requires verifying with an existing US mobile or landline number. Other VoIP numbers are not accepted.
- Google Workspace offers paid Google Voice in more countries. That is a business product.
A practical path is to get a carrier number first (Ultra PayGo or Tello / US Mobile) and use it to verify Google Voice.
Setup
- Sign in at voice.google.com (or the Voice app) with your Google account.
- Choose a number by city or area code.
- Verify with your US carrier number by receiving a code.
- In settings, choose whether to forward calls, get texts by email, and whether to use Wi-Fi/data for calls.
Google's sign-up checks can be strict. Follow Google's terms, and do not use false location or identity information.
Keep-alive rules
- Google's policy says it may reclaim your number if you don't use it "as intended, such as placing calls or sending text messages for a period of 3 months."
- Google says making a call, sending a text, or listening to voicemail helps keep the number. You get a warning before reclamation.
- After the reclaim date you have 45 days to reclaim the number at voice.google.com.
Routine: send one outgoing text or make one short call every month.
TextNow
- A free, ad-supported number with its own paid mobile plans.
- Inactivity rules are strict. Third-party reports (2026) say you need an outgoing call or text within the first day, then activity about weekly. TextNow itself recommends outgoing use every couple of days. Incoming messages don't count.
- A paid option to lock the number is reported at about $1.99/week. Check current in-app pricing.
Talkatone
- Free number, supported by ads.
- Talkatone's terms say the number may be reclaimed after 30 days without outgoing calls or texts. A paid plan (reported at $3.99) keeps the number through inactive periods.
Hushed
- A paid "second number" app offering US, Canada and UK numbers.
- The unlimited plan costs about $4.99/month or $47.99/year (as of September 2026).
- Paying does not change the line type. It is still VoIP.
Comparison
| Service | Cost (as of September 2026) | Keep-alive | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Free | Use within 3 months, 45-day reclaim window | Everyday calls/texts, low-risk sign-ups |
| TextNow | Free (ads) / paid lock | Frequent outgoing use | Backup number |
| Talkatone | Free (ads) / paid plan | Outgoing use within 30 days | Backup number |
| Hushed | ~$4.99/month | Paid subscription | Privacy, disposable numbers |
Which number for what
| Use | Suggested number |
|---|---|
| Bank, broker, fintech, crypto exchange 2FA | Carrier number (Ultra, Tello, US Mobile) |
| Email / Apple ID / Google account recovery | Carrier number, plus an authenticator or passkey |
| Shopping, delivery, restaurant bookings | Google Voice |
| Forums, newsletters, marketplace listings | Google Voice or TextNow |
| Short-term, disposable contact | Hushed or another paid second-number app |
Splitting numbers this way limits the damage if one is lost or leaked. It also keeps spam away from the number your bank uses.
Pitfalls
- Public "receive SMS online" sites. Anyone can read the codes sent to those shared numbers. Never use them for an account you care about.
- Don't rely on VoIP for money. Even if a bank accepts it today, a later policy change can lock you out.
- Losing the Google account means losing the number. Secure it with a passkey or authenticator app.
- Mainland China users: Google services are not directly accessible on the mainland. Follow local network rules. A VoIP app you can't open reliably is not a dependable 2FA channel.
FAQ
Can I sign up for Google Voice with a TextNow number? No. Google Voice verification requires a non-VoIP US number.
Will my bank accept Google Voice? Assume not until tested. Many financial services block VoIP numbers.
