Are 0345 Numbers Free To Call?

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and explain is 0345 phone number free with a breakdown of the most popular UK customer service numbers for your business.

An 0345 number is a type of non-geographic phone number used by many UK businesses, government organisations, and customer service centres. Unlike traditional geographic numbers that begin with area codes such as 01234 or 020, 0345 numbers are part of a newer range designed to replace older 0845 numbers, which were often expensive to call.

These numbers were introduced to make things fairer for consumers. Calls to 0345 numbers cost the same as calls to standard UK landlines   that means they are charged at the same rate as 01 or 02 numbers.

Are 0345 numbers free to call?

0345 numbers are not completely free, but for most people they don’t cost anything extra. Whether the call is free depends on your phone contract.

• From mobile phones: Most mobile networks in the UK include 0345 numbers in their inclusive minutes. If you have a monthly plan or pay-as-you-go bundle with free minutes, calling a 0345 number will typically be free, as it uses those minutes. If you go over your allowance, you’ll pay the same rate as a standard landline call.

• From landlines: If you have a call package that includes free or discounted landline calls, 0345 numbers are treated the same way. Outside of those inclusive periods, standard local or national rates apply.

So while technically not “free,” for most people calling a 0345 number does not add any extra cost to their bill.

Why businesses use 0345 numbers

There are several reasons companies and public organisations choose to use 0345 numbers:

1. Fairness and transparency – Unlike the old 0845 or 0870 numbers, 0345 numbers don’t include premium charges. This helps customers trust that they won’t be overcharged.

2. National presence – 0345 numbers are not tied to a particular location, allowing businesses to appear professional and accessible across the UK.

3. Easier customer communication – They make it simple for businesses to manage calls centrally, especially for companies with multiple branches or departments.

This balance of affordability and professionalism is why many large organisations   from banks to government departments   now use 0345 numbers as their main contact line.

Examples of when you might call an 0345 number

You’ll often see 0345 numbers used by:

• Banks and building societies

• Utility providers and telecoms companies

• Insurance firms

• Public services such as HMRC or the NHS

• Retailers and customer support teams

In nearly all cases, these calls cost the same as calling a normal landline, and if you have free minutes, there’s no additional charge.

What if you’re calling from abroad?

If you’re outside the UK, calling an 0345 number will not be included in your plan, even if it’s free domestically. International call charges will apply, and the rate depends on your provider and country. If you frequently contact UK companies while travelling, consider using internet-based services like Skype or WhatsApp for cheaper options.

How to check the cost before calling

To be sure what you’ll pay, check your phone provider’s call rates for “01, 02, and 03 numbers.” You’ll find that 0345 is listed under the same category. You can usually find this information on your provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

If you want to be cautious, you can also use a landline to call during off-peak hours when rates are lowest, or make the call from a number that includes free UK minutes.

Expert advice

From an SEO and business perspective, using an 0345 number can benefit your customer relationships. It signals that your business is transparent and customer-friendly, unlike older premium-rate numbers that deterred calls. For local businesses, pairing an 0345 number with clear website contact details, a Google Business Profile, and location-based SEO can help build both trust and accessibility.

For consumers, the takeaway is simple: 0345 numbers are not premium-rate, and in most cases, you won’t pay extra. They cost the same as a normal landline and are included in most phone plan allowances.

Conclusion

0345 numbers are designed to be fair and affordable for everyone. While they’re not entirely free, most mobile and landline users can call them without extra cost if they have inclusive minutes. For businesses, these numbers offer a professional way to manage calls while keeping communication fair and accessible. Whether you’re a customer or a company, understanding how 0345 numbers work ensures transparency, trust, and smoother communication.

We have also written in depth articles on how to divert landline phone to mobile and is a 0300 phone number free as well as our Virtual Landlines Hub to give you further guidance.