How to call 0845, 0870 and 0800 numbers free from your mobile: Which premium numbers cost what and how to call free

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It's that annoying moment when you need to call a helpline or similar from your mobile phone but you'll be charged extortionate amounts for it. Here's how to call 0845, 0870 and 0800 numbers free from your mobile. Find out which numbers are free from your mobile and the cost of specific premium numbers. Check out the best smartphones of 2015. Updated with our video tutorial 25/11/15.

You might have a smartphone call plan with unlimited minutes, but that’s unlikely to include premium rate numbers. If you’re stuck without access to a landline, calling numbers beginning with 0845, 0870 and similar is something to avoid. Many companies use such numbers to offset the cost of tech support, or to simply make more money.

 

Mobile networks tend to charge excessive amounts for these types of numbers – even more than when calling from a landline.

Since July 2015, Ofcom made sure that all 0800 and 0808 numbers were free on mobile phones, no matter what network you're on. However, there are still a lot of numbers which will cost you a bomb. Below we've outlined what different numbers are for and what they will typically cost.

 

What is free numbers from mobile? The current situation and Costs

The first three in the above list are geographic numbers and will be included in any minutes you have on your mobile tariff. If you're using credit or minutes outside of your allowance, these will cost 3p and 40p per minute depending on your network and plan.

Be aware that when you make these calls from your mobile outside of your inclusive minutes you can be charged up to 45p per minute.

030 numbers are for non-profit organisations, charities and public bodies such as The BBC, the Met Police, the RSPCA, Oxfam and some local councils. These come under the same pricing structure as the geographic numbers above.

07 numbers

You might already know I 07 has numbers for mobile phones, and cost 3p and 40p per minute Between but Will usually included in the name, signature BE minute allowance. Often you'll get free calls to other users on the same network, too, but making a call outside of your allowance of can cost up to 45p per minute.

070 and 076 numbers

While 07 numbers are easily recognisable as mobile numbers, 070 numbers are another kettle of fish. They are a legitimate number and used as a follow me service so calls are diverted from one number to another meaning the person being called can keep their own number private, and remain contactable wherever they go. They are also used by small businesses and sole traders easily manage calls.

However, they are also used a scam where you get a missed call and because it looks like a regular mobile you call it back. What you're actually dialling is a service which costs up to £1.50 per minute. Often the call is dropped or an engaged tone played while you're charged. You might also hear a recorded voice telling you the line is bad, requesting you call a second time.

The bottom line is that if you get a missed call from an 070 or 076 number, do not call it back. You can note down the number and complain to the premium rate regulator PhonepayPlus (0800 500 212).

0800 and 0808 numbers

As mentioned above, these are now completely free to call from your mobile so dial away without worrying about your bill.

0843/4, 0845, 0870, 0871/2/3 numbers

The cost of calling 084 and 087 numbers is split up into two costs - these numbers are normally chat lines, technical support, sales lines and other related things.

Firstly there is what's known as a 'service charge' which is set by the organisation you are calling and ranges from 0- and 13p per minute.

You'll also get an 'access charge' which is set by your provider and start at 5p per minute. For example, Giffgaff charges 25p per minute while Three charges 45p.

118 directory enquiry numbers

Be very careful if you're thinking about calling a direct enquiry number beginning with 118. These are expensive. They are split into service- and access charges as above so you'll be charged up to 45p per minute on top of whatever the company you're calling charges - a maximum of £7 and/or £3.60 per minute. Most will have a minimum call charge of 60 seconds.

"Calls to 118 118 cost £2.75 per call plus £2.99 per minute, (minimum 60 second charge applies). In addition you will be charged an access charge per minute by the company that bills you for calls." says the 118 118 website so this means a minimum charge of £5.74 if your call is less than one minute.

09 numbers

A number beginning with 09 is a premium rate number usual used for competitions, TV voting, horoscopes, chat lines and similar. From a mobile phone charges typically range between 1p to £3.60 per minute. You may be charged a one-off call cost ranging from 5p to £6.