Area code 856 covers Camden and surrounding areas in New Jersey. It was activated in 1999 as an overlay of area code 609. For the full picture, see all New Jersey area codes.
| State | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Camden |
| Cities also served | Camden, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Glassboro, Gloucester City, Collingswood |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | June 12, 1999 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 609 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 856
Area code 856 serves Southwestern New Jersey — Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Burlington counties; the New Jersey side of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including the following cities and communities:
- Camden
- Cherry Hill
- Vineland
- Millville
- Bridgeton
- Glassboro
- Gloucester City
- Collingswood
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 609, 640, 201, 732, 848, 908, 973, 551.
How to Get a 856 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 856 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 856 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 856 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 856 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 856 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 856 number. If you already have a 856 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of New Jersey sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 856 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 856 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 856 numbers for Camden, New Jersey — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 856 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 856 area code still in use?
Yes. 856 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Southwestern New Jersey — Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Burlington counties; the New Jersey side of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
What is the parent area code of 856?
Area code 856 is an overlay of 609. Both codes serve the same region of New Jersey.
Can I get a 856 number if I don't live in New Jersey?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 856 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 856 a scam area code?
No. 856 is a legitimate, active area code for Southwestern New Jersey — Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Burlington counties; the New Jersey side of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 856 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real New Jersey businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are in the 856 area code?
Area code 856 covers Camden, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Glassboro, Gloucester City, Collingswood, and dozens of other communities in southwestern New Jersey across Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and Burlington counties.
Where did area code 856 come from?
Area code 856 was created on June 12, 1999, through a geographic split of area code 609. Growing demand for phone numbers from businesses, fax machines, pagers, and cell phones had exhausted 609’s capacity. Bell Atlantic announced the new code in March 1999, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved it shortly thereafter.
Does area code 856 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 856 has no overlay and is the sole area code serving southwestern New Jersey. Ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls, however, due to the nationwide adoption of 988 as the mental health crisis lifeline in 2021.
Is 856 close to Philadelphia?
Yes. Area code 856 covers the New Jersey suburbs directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, including Camden, Cherry Hill, and Gloucester City. The region is considered part of the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.
