Are 0345 Numbers Free To Call?

0345 phone numbers are widely used across the UK by banks, insurance providers, utility companies and government services. At first glance, they might seem similar to freephone numbers like 0800, but 0345 numbers are not actually free to call. They are part of the 03 range of non-geographic numbers, and while they are charged at the same rate as standard landline calls, they are not zero-cost unless included in your phone plan.

This article explains whether 0345 numbers are free to call, how they are charged on mobile and landline networks, and what makes them different from other types of numbers. It also clears up common myths, highlights key billing factors and outlines why businesses choose 0345 numbers as a customer contact method.

What Are 0345 Numbers?

0345 numbers belong to a group of non-geographic numbers introduced to replace older prefixes like 0845. They are designed to provide organisations with a nationwide contact number that does not tie them to a specific region or area code.

These numbers are regulated by Ofcom and are intended to be more consumer-friendly than their 084 or 087 counterparts, which often carry additional access charges. While 0345 numbers are not free, they are charged in the same way as calls to 01 or 02 numbers, which makes them predictable and cost-effective, particularly for people with inclusive minutes in their phone plans.

Are 0345 Numbers Free from Mobiles?

0345 numbers are not free from mobile phones, but they are usually included in monthly call allowances or pay-as-you-go bundles. If you have a mobile plan that includes minutes to landlines, calling a 0345 number will typically use those minutes just like a call to a local 01 or 02 number.

If your allowance has run out or you do not have one, your mobile provider will charge you their standard rate for landline calls. This rate varies depending on the network, but it can range from 3p to 55p per minute. Always check your mobile contract to see what is included and what your charges might be outside of your plan.

Are 0345 Numbers Free from Landlines?

0345 numbers are also not free from landlines, but as with mobiles, they are charged at the same rate as geographic numbers. If your landline plan includes free evening or weekend calls to 01 and 02 numbers, 0345 numbers are usually part of that allowance.

If you do not have an inclusive package or you are calling outside of the covered times, you will be charged the standard per-minute rate set by your landline provider. These are generally cheaper than mobile out-of-plan rates but are still considered billable if not bundled.

Why Do Organisations Use 0345 Numbers?

0345 numbers allow businesses and public bodies to provide a single national number without associating their service with a particular location. This is particularly useful for companies with multiple branches or a nationwide audience, as it helps simplify communication and maintain a consistent brand presence.

They are also more customer-friendly than 0845 numbers, which were historically used for the same purpose but carried additional fees. By switching to 0345 numbers, organisations avoid access charges and give customers a clearer understanding of what the call will cost.

For regulated sectors, such as banking and public services, using 0345 numbers also ensures compliance with rules that require clear and fair call charges.

Common Myths About 0345 Numbers

One of the most widespread myths is that 0345 numbers are premium-rate lines. They are not. Premium-rate numbers usually begin with 09 or certain 087 prefixes and are subject to higher charges and revenue sharing. 0345 numbers do not fall into this category and are treated as standard landline calls.

Another common misunderstanding is that 0345 numbers are free because they are often associated with large companies or government bodies. Unless your phone plan includes calls to landlines, calling a 0345 number will result in charges.

There is also some confusion between 0345 and 0800 numbers. While 0800 numbers are free to call from mobiles and landlines, 0345 numbers are not. They only become free if you have a plan that includes them.

How Do 0345 Numbers Compare to Other Prefixes?

In the UK, there are several common non-geographic number prefixes. 0800 and 0808 are freephone numbers that do not cost anything to call from most phones. 084 and 087 numbers usually carry a service charge and are not included in free minutes. 09 numbers are premium-rate and can cost significantly more.

0345 numbers strike a balance between affordability and national reach. They are far more transparent than 0845 numbers and more cost-effective than premium-rate services. For both callers and businesses, they provide a fairer, simpler solution for nationwide customer contact.

What to Check Before Calling a 0345 Number

If you are unsure whether a call to a 0345 number will cost you anything, the first step is to check your phone contract or call plan. Most UK mobile and landline providers include 0345 numbers in their inclusive minute bundles, especially on mid to high-tier plans.

If you are on a pay-as-you-go service or a basic landline package without call allowances, you should expect to pay per minute at your provider’s standard landline rate. Checking this in advance can help you avoid unexpected charges.

Conclusion

0345 numbers are not free to call, but they are charged at standard local rates and are included in most UK call plans. For the majority of mobile and landline users, calling a 0345 number will not result in extra charges if they stay within their bundled allowances.

These numbers are widely used for their consistency, transparency and nationwide appeal, and they provide a better alternative to older non-geographic numbers that carried hidden costs. As long as you are aware of your plan’s details, calling a 0345 number is usually straightforward and affordable.