Calling an 02 number (a standard UK geographic number in the UK) from your O2 phone depends on your type of plan, minute allowances, and whether you’ve already used up any inclusive call minutes.
In general, O2 treats calls to 01, 02 and 03 numbers as standard national calls – not premium-rate or special numbers. That means they’re usually included in bundled minutes on most plans. However, if you exceed your inclusive minutes or you’re on Pay As You Go (PAYG), you may see per-minute charges apply.
O2 Call Charge Breakdown (to 02 numbers)
| Plan Type | Calls to 02 Numbers | Cost Details (Approx.) |
| Pay Monthly (within bundle) | ✔ Free | Included in your inclusive minutes |
| Pay Monthly (out of bundle) | ❌ Charged | Approx. 35p per minute (typical) |
| PAYG (within bundle) | ✔ Free | If minutes remain |
| PAYG (no bundle / out of minutes) | ❌ Charged | Approx. 30–35p per minute |
- Remember:
These figures are approximate standard rates and can vary by specific tariff. - Calls between O2 mobiles to O2 numbers that stay within your inclusive minutes are typically free on most standard plans.
How does O2 Pricing Works
Calls Included in Bundles
Most pay-monthly O2 plans and many SIM-only deals include unlimited UK minutes for calls to geographic numbers (including 01, 02, and 03 prefixes) as part of your monthly allowance. So if you stay within your minutes, calling an 02 number will usually be free.
Out-of-Bundle Charges
If you exceed your inclusive minutes or are on a PAYG plan without a sufficient bundle, O2 tends to apply a per-minute out-of-bundle charge of approx. 30-35p per minute for standard geographic calls.
Since O2 no longer publicly lists every out-of-bundle charge, actual rates can vary slightly by specific tariff and contract. So, it’s always worth checking your bill or plan.
Industry Pricing Trends
Mobile providers in the UK, including O2, have faced price rises across their customer base in 2025 and beyond. O2 has announced mid-contract price changes that will see monthly bills increase (e.g. £2.50 extra per month from April 2026), drawing criticism from regulators like Ofcom and consumer advocates for reducing pricing predictability.
These hikes don’t directly affect per-minute call charges, but they increase the overall cost of mobile contracts, meaning you should review whether your plan still offers good value.
Common Questions About Calling 02 Numbers
Are calls to 02 numbers always charged?
Not necessarily. On most Pay Monthly plans and many PAYG bundles, calls to O2 landlines (02 prefixes) are included in your minutes. However, if you go outside those minutes or are on a plan without inclusive calls, you’ll typically pay per minute.
What about freephone & other prefixes?
- 0800 / 0808 numbers remain free to call.
- Premium-rate numbers (e.g. 09 or 118) carry separate access charges and service charges that are significantly higher.
What about Connection Fees?
Unlike some older pricing structures, most modern mobile tariffs (including O2) apply simple per-minute charges rather than separate connection fees for geographic calls.
Keeping Costs Down – Top Tips!
- Stay within inclusive call minutes: On pay-monthly plans, these usually cover 01/02/03 calls.
- Top up bundles on PAYG: Adding bundles can reduce the per-minute cost dramatically.
- Check for newer tariffs: O2 updates tariffs regularly, and switching to a plan with more inclusive minutes can save you money.
For more info on calling or setting up an 02 number, call 0330 332 0400.
