UK Call Cost Checker
How much will a call cost? Type a UK number to see whether it's free, charged at the normal rate, or carries an extra service charge, before you dial.
Check what a call costs
UK call charges at a glance
| Starts with | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 01, 02 | Landlines Normal rate |
Normal landline rate, usually included in your minutes |
| 03 | UK-wide numbers Normal rate |
Same as 01/02, included in inclusive minutes |
| 07 | Mobiles Normal rate |
Normal mobile rate, included in most plans |
| 0800, 0808 | Freephone Free to call |
Free from UK landlines and mobiles |
| 084 | Business rate Costs more |
Access charge + up to 7p a minute service charge |
| 087 | Business rate Costs more |
Access charge + up to 13p a minute service charge |
| 070 | Personal numbers Costs more |
Like a mobile call, often outside free minutes |
| 09 | Premium rate Premium rate: expensive |
Access charge + up to £3.60 a minute service charge |
Service charges are maximums: the organisation sets its own and must show it wherever the number is advertised. Your phone company sets the access charge.
How UK call charges work
Since July 2015, calls to 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers are made of two parts: an access charge, which goes to your own phone company and is shown on your bill, and a service charge, which goes to the organisation you're calling. The organisation must show its service charge next to the number, for example "Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge".
Freephone 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from landlines and mobiles. 03 numbers were created as a fair alternative to 084 and 087 numbers: they cost the same as a normal landline call. If a company only gives an 084 or 087 number, look on its website for an 03 or 01/02 alternative.
Watch out for missed calls from expensive numbers
Scammers sometimes ring once from a premium-rate or overseas number, hoping you'll call back and pay. Don't call back numbers you don't recognise: check them first with the UK phone number checker and read the scam alerts.
Questions about UK call costs
Is 0800 free from a mobile?
Yes. Since July 2015 calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from both UK landlines and UK mobiles.
Are 03 numbers free?
03 numbers are not free, but they cost the same as calling a normal 01 or 02 landline and are included in the inclusive minutes on almost all landline and mobile plans.
How much does it cost to call an 0845 number?
You pay your own phone company's access charge plus a service charge of up to 7p a minute set by the organisation. The service charge must be shown wherever the number is advertised.
What is an access charge?
It is the part of the cost that goes to your own phone company for 084, 087, 09 and 118 calls. It is a fixed price per minute and is shown on your bill and price list.
Why are 09 numbers so expensive?
09 numbers are premium rate services, such as competitions, adult lines or technical support. They can cost several pounds a minute, and scammers sometimes leave missed calls hoping you will call back.