The 267 area code is a core part of Philadelphia’s identity, standing alongside the legendary 215 area code in one of America’s most historic and economically significant cities. As the Philly metro area has grown—from Center City out into the surrounding suburbs—267 has played a vital role in meeting the rising demand for Pennsylvania phone numbers.
Whether you are a resident seeing 267 on your caller ID or a business owner looking to build a local presence in the “City of Brotherly Love,” understanding the 267 landscape is essential.
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What Is the 267 Area Code?
The 267 area code is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) code serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its immediate suburbs. It was introduced as an “overlay” to relieve the pressure on the original 215 area code.
Origin and the Overlay System
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The Original Code: 215 is one of the oldest area codes in the US, historically covering the entire southeastern corner of Pennsylvania.
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The 1999 Launch: Due to the explosion of mobile phones, pagers, and fax machines in the late 90s, the 215 pool ran low. The 267 area code was launched in June 1999 to provide a new supply of numbers.
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Current Complex: In 2018, the 445 area code was added as a second overlay. Today, the 215, 267, and 445 area codes all serve the exact same geographic region.
Key Takeaway: There is no geographic difference between 215 and 267. While 215 is seen as the “legacy” code, 267 is a fully local Philadelphia number.
Geographic Coverage & Major Cities
The 267 area code operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and covers the heart of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas:
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Philadelphia County: Covers the entire city, including Center City, South Philly, West Philly, and the Northeast.
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Bucks County: Includes suburbs and commuter towns northeast of the city, such as Bensalem and Levittown.
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Montgomery County: Serves northwest suburbs and inner-ring towns like Abington and Cheltenham.
Is the 267 Area Code a Scam?
The 267 area code itself is a 100% legitimate geographic code. However, because Philadelphia is a massive market, scammers frequently “spoof” 267 numbers to make their calls look local and trustworthy.
How to Stay Safe:
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Verify Official Calls: If someone calls from a 215 or 267 number claiming to be from a bank or utility company, hang up and call the official number found on your bill or the company’s website.
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Ignore Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use threats of arrest or account closure. Legitimate Philadelphia institutions will always send formal notices by mail.
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Don’t Share Info: Never provide your Social Security number or banking details to an unsolicited caller, even if the number looks local.
Watch the Guide: For a deep dive into 267 safety and location, check out this video: 267 Area Code Explained.
Business Benefits of a 267 Number
For companies targeting the Philadelphia market, a 267 number offers immediate credibility.
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Trust and Recognition: Local customers are much more likely to answer a 267 number than a toll-free or out-of-state number.
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Philly Ecosystem: Philadelphia is a hub for healthcare, education, and finance. A local number helps your business fit into this professional ecosystem.
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Availability: While 215 numbers are extremely difficult to find, 267 numbers are widely available through most VoIP and cloud providers.
How to Get a 267 Area Code Number
There are two primary ways to secure a 267 number for your personal or business use:
1. Through Traditional Carriers
If you live in the Philadelphia region, you can request a 267 number from carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. When setting up a new line, you will likely be assigned 267 or 445 by default.
2. Through VoIP Providers (Best for Businesses)
Cloud phone systems are the most flexible way to get a “virtual” Philadelphia presence, even if you aren’t physically located there.
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Step 1: Choose a provider like Google Voice (for business), RingCentral, or OpenPhone.
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Step 2: Use the search tool to filter for “Philadelphia, PA” or the “267” area code.
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Step 3: Assign the number to your team and configure your call routing and voicemail.
FAQ: Quick Facts
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What city is 267? Philadelphia, PA.
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What time zone is 267? Eastern Time (ET).
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Is 267 a cell phone code? It can be used for cell phones, landlines, and VoIP lines.
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Is there a difference between 215 and 267? Only in age. They both serve the same streets, neighborhoods, and suburbs.
