When you see a phone number starting with 0345 or 0845, both are non-geographic UK numbers, but the cost to call them (and how they’re treated) can be quite different.
0345 (or 03) vs 0845 (or 08)
Quick overview:
- Numbers beginning with 03 (including 0345) are non-geographic but regulated so that the call cost must be the same as calling a standard UK landline (01 or 02).
- Numbers beginning with 084/0845 belong to a different class – often called ‘service numbers’ or ‘business-rate numbers’. They typically carry an additional premium (or service charge) plus whatever access charge your phone provider applies.
- Due to regulations for 03 range numbers, calls to them from landlines or mobiles must be included in any bundle or inclusive minutes that cover standard landline calls.
In short: 0345 numbers are designed to be neutral i.e. not cheaper than landline calls but not more expensive either. In comparison, 0845 numbers often cost more for the caller due to added charges.
Cost Comparison: 0345 vs 0845
| Prefix / Number Type | Typical cost to caller (landline or mobile) | What callers pay / inclusions |
| 0345 / 03 | Same as geographic 01/02 landline & often included in call bundles; where not, around 10–16p per minute on a landline. From mobile, usually part of inclusive minutes or 3 – 65 p/min if out-of-bundle, depending on the plan. | No extra premium; counted as a standard landline call in bundles or inclusive plans. |
| 0845/ 084x/08 (service numbers) | A combination of an ‘access charge’ plus a ‘service charge/premium’. Landline or mobile call costs, therefore, tend to be higher than standard landline calls. This may vary depending on your provider. | Caller pays both access and service charges; not typically included in standard inclusive-minute packages (unless stated). |
Note: Because of regulatory changes, 03 Range calls must never cost more than standard landline calls and must be included in bundles for 01/02 calls.
What does the difference mean for callers & businesses?
- For Callers: dialing a 0345 number is as safe as dialing any landline. If your plan includes landline minutes, 0345 calls will often be covered – so no nasty surprises! If you dial an 0845 number, you may incur extra charges beyond your regular call rates.
- For Businesses/Customer Services: using a 0345 number makes contacts more accessible and affordable for customers – no worries about premium-rate surcharges. Using 0845 gives the potential for extra revenue too (via service-charge share), but risks deterring calls due to higher customer cost.
- Many organisations have shifted from 0845 (or other 08/09 ranges) to 03/0345 over recent years, partly because of regulation and partly because customers respond better to fair pricing.
Why 0345 (or 03) is generally a better option:
- Calls to 03/0345 numbers are regulated to cost no more than standard landline calls – ensuring fairness and simplicity.
- Calls are part of inclusive minute bundles for most landline and mobile plans just like normal 01/02 calls.
- For a business, using a 0345 number makes customer contact cheap and predictable for callers. This can improve customer satisfaction and access.
- Avoids the hidden ‘cost + access charge + service premium’ problem associated with 0845 and other 08/09 numbers.
Remember – always check your tariff!
Before you call any non-geographic number:
- Verify whether your plan includes calls to UK landlines i.e. 01/02. If yes – calls to 0345 should be included.
- If you dial an 0845/084x number, check the ‘access + service charge’ for your provider – it may not be included in your standard minutes.
- Be extra cautious if you’re on Pay-As-You-Go or a limited-minutes plan as 08 Range numbers can end up much more expensive.
In Conclusion
In 2025, 0345 numbers remain a fair, customer-friendly alternative to 0845: they behave like standard landlines, are often included in bundles, and avoid the extra costs that come with 08-range service numbers. 0845 calls, on the other hand, typically incur additional charges – making 0345 a better, more predictable choice for both callers and businesses alike. However if you’re a business wanting to generate extra revenue, 0845s are definitely worth a closer look.
For more info, why not call our friendly team on 0330 332 0400?
