Key takeaways
Calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers carry a two-part charge: an access charge set by your phone provider (typically 45 to 55 pence per minute from a mobile) plus a service charge set by the organisation running the number (up to 13 pence per minute).
The total cost from a mobile can reach 68 pence per minute. A 10-minute call could cost up to 6.80 pounds.
Calls to 0845 and 0870 are not included in standard mobile or landline call bundles -- you are charged per minute even if you have unlimited inclusive minutes.
Many organisations have 03 alternatives to their 0845 and 0870 numbers. 03 numbers cost the same as 01/02 calls and are always included in bundles -- often saving pounds per call.
Ofcom requires organisations using these numbers to publish the service charge element before you call.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
|
Why 0845 and 0870 numbers exist
0845 and 0870 numbers are non-geographic service numbers introduced in the 1990s. They allow businesses to use a single national contact number regardless of location, and historically allowed organisations to generate revenue from callers through a revenue-sharing model. Government departments, utilities, financial services and large businesses adopted them widely. Following Ofcom's transparency rules and the rise of cheaper mobile tariffs, many organisations have moved to 03 alternatives -- but 0845 and 0870 numbers remain common.
How the two-part charge works
Every call to an 0845 or 0870 number is made up of two components you both pay:
Access charge: set by your phone or mobile provider. For most major UK mobile networks this is 45 to 55 pence per minute. For landline providers it is typically 2 to 10 pence per minute depending on your call plan.
Service charge: set by the organisation operating the number. Ranges from 0 pence per minute (freephone to caller, bar the access charge) to 13 pence per minute for 0845 numbers. Ofcom requires organisations to publish this charge before you call.
| Calling from | Access charge | Service charge (max) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile (major network) | 45-55p/min | 0-13p/min | Up to 68p/min |
| Landline (standard) | 2-10p/min | 0-13p/min | Up to 23p/min |
| Landline (inclusive bundle) | Still charged separately | 0-13p/min | Varies |
| From abroad | International rates apply | Service charge applies | Expensive |
Calls to 0845 and 0870 are NOT included in mobile or landline call bundles. You will be charged per minute even if you have unlimited inclusive minutes in your plan.
Real cost examples
A 5-minute call to an 0845 number from an EE or O2 mobile with no bundle minutes: access charge 45p/min x 5 = 2.25 pounds, plus service charge say 7p/min x 5 = 35 pence. Total: 2.60 pounds for a 5-minute call.
A 10-minute call to an 0870 number from a Vodafone mobile: 50p/min access x 10 = 5.00 pounds, plus 10p service x 10 = 1.00 pound. Total: 6.00 pounds.
Compare this with calling the same organisation's 03 alternative from a mobile with inclusive minutes: 0 pence. The difference over the course of a year of regular calls is significant.
How to find the free 03 or geographic alternative
Many organisations that use 0845 or 0870 as their primary contact number also have a geographic (01/02) or 03 alternative. These are not always prominently displayed but can be found by:
Searching online for '[organisation name] 03 number' or '[organisation name] alternative number'. Consumer community sites aggregate alternatives found by users.
Checking the organisation's website carefully -- look in contact, legal or accessibility sections where the 03 or geographic number may be listed alongside the 0845.
Asking the agent when you call the 0845 number once -- request a geographic or 03 alternative for future calls. Agents are generally required to provide this information.
Ofcom rules on disclosure
Following Ofcom's unbundled tariff regulations, any organisation using an 084 or 087 number must clearly state the service charge component before you call. This typically appears as a statement such as 'Calls to this number cost Xp per minute service charge plus your phone company's access charge.' If an organisation does not display this information they are in breach of Ofcom requirements.
Why some organisations still use 0845 and 0870
Despite the shift to 03 numbers, some organisations retain 0845 and 0870 for legacy reasons, because they receive revenue from the service charge, or because changing a widely publicised number has operational cost. Ofcom has not banned these numbers but requires clearer pricing disclosure. Consumer pressure has contributed to a gradual reduction in their use for primary customer contact lines.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice. Telecoms information is sourced from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Always verify current tariffs and eligibility directly with providers and at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Are 0845 calls included in my mobile bundle?
No. Calls to 0845 and other 084 numbers are not included in standard mobile call bundles. Even with unlimited or inclusive minutes for 01/02/03 calls, 0845 calls are charged separately at the access charge rate plus any service charge. Check your network's specific access charge for 084 numbers.
What is the cheapest way to call an 0845 number?
The cheapest option is almost always finding the 03 or geographic (01/02) alternative -- these are included in most call bundles and cost nothing extra. If no alternative exists, calling from a landline is generally cheaper than from a mobile as landline access charges for 084 numbers are lower.
What is the difference between 0845 and 0870?
Both are non-geographic service numbers with a two-part charge structure. 0845 is in the 084 range and 0870 is in the 087 range. Access charges from a mobile are similar for both. Neither is included in standard call bundles.
Is there a free alternative to an 0845 number?
Often yes. Many organisations that use 0845 have a 03 or geographic alternative. Search online for the organisation's name plus '03 number' or 'alternative number'. The 03 number costs the same as a geographic call and is included in most bundles.
Do 0845 charges apply when I am on hold?
Yes. The per-minute charge continues throughout the call including hold time. A 20-minute wait on hold to an 0845 number from a mobile could cost 9 to 13 pounds at the total per-minute rate. Using a 03 alternative eliminates this entirely if calls are within your bundle.
What should I do if an organisation will not disclose the service charge?
Ofcom requires disclosure. If you cannot find the service charge information, ask the organisation directly. If they refuse, you can report this to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk. Consider contacting the organisation by email or post instead of phone to avoid the call charge entirely.
Why is calling 0870 so expensive from a mobile?
Mobile networks set their own access charge for 087 numbers and this is typically much higher than for geographic calls. Ofcom's 2015 unbundled tariff rules made the two-part structure transparent but did not cap either component. The access charge for 087 from a major mobile is typically 45 to 55 pence per minute.
Can I claim back the cost of calling an 0845 number?
In some circumstances yes -- for example if you were kept on hold due to the organisation's fault, or if they provided incorrect information that required you to call back repeatedly. Write to the organisation and request a refund. If they refuse and you believe the charge was unreasonable, you can escalate via the relevant ADR scheme or a small claims court for significant amounts.
