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Guide4 min read

Transactional SMS vs Promotional SMS: Know the Difference

OTP, receipts, and shipping alerts are not the same as flash sales. Here is how to use each type correctly.

Regulators and customers treat transactional and promotional messages differently. Mixing them in one template hurts deliverability and trust. SplitSMS helps you send both — from one wallet — with clear use cases.

Transactional SMS

These are messages the customer requested or expects: OTP codes, password resets, order confirmations, appointment reminders, and payment receipts. They are time-sensitive and usually exempt from marketing opt-in rules when tied to an existing relationship.

Promotional SMS

Sales, events, re-engagement, and newsletters-by-SMS need consent. Build lists from sign-ups, past buyers who agreed to marketing, or double opt-in forms. SplitSMS contact groups and CSV import make segmentation simple.

One platform, two workflows

Use the dashboard for campaigns and the REST API for OTP. Same Sender ID, same delivery reports, same transparent pricing from GHS 0.029 per segment in Ghana.

Try SplitSMS free

Send bulk SMS, OTP, and campaigns — 5 free credits on signup.