Creating & upgrading your Twilio account

To start sending text messages in eCatholic Connect, you'll need to first create a Twilio account, then upgrade the account out of "free trial" mode.

Creating a Twilio account

Go to twilio.com/try-twilio and enter your information to create a free account.

Upgrading your Twilio account

After you create your Twilio account, it will be in "free trial" mode.

However, in order to move forward with your setup, you'll need to upgrade your account. Twilio has documented the steps in its Help Center: Upgrading to a Paid Twilio Account.

See below for guidance specific to eCatholic customers.

Items needed for Twilio registration

Before you start the Twilio registration process, it is recommended that you prepare the following:

Photo ID - You will be prompted to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport) to verify your identity.

See more: Why Twilio requires Photo ID

Credit card information - You will need to provide initial funding (at least $50) to your Twilio account to cover the one-time brand and campaign registration fees.
Your organization's EIN number - This will be required during the Twilio signup process. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.

1 - Log in to your Twilio account console.twilio.com.

2 - Click the Upgrade link at the top of the screen.

3 - Click Continue and enter your basic personal information.

4 - Select the country of your ID, then select one of the government ID options listed (e.g., Driver's License).

5 - Select the Identity type for your account.

Most eCatholic customers should select Business use.

6 - Enter your Business Address & Billing Details.

Business Address - Most eCatholic customers should use the physical address for your parish, school, diocese, or ministry.
Legal Business Name - Provide the official name of your parish, school, diocese, or ministry
Business Registration Authority - Select USA / IRS / Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Business Registration Number - Enter your organization's EIN. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.
Business Website URL - Enter your website URL
Industry - Most eCatholic customers can select Religion

7 - Enter your Main Address - Enter your Business Address; This is used for tax purposes.

8 - Enter your Tax Information - Enter your organization's EIN. This is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX.

9 - Fund your account - It is recommended that you initially fund your account with at least $50. You will then be prompted to enter your credit card details.