If you’ve ever had to ring a 0300 number, whether it’s your bank, a government department or a charity helpline, you might have wondered: how much will this call cost me on O2?
The short answer is: 0300 numbers cost the same as calling a standard UK landline (01 or 02 numbers). This is because Ofcom regulations ensure that 03 numbers must always be charged at geographic rates. That means no hidden “premium” fees.
But what you actually pay depends on your O2 tariff — whether you’re on Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go (PAYG) and whether you still have inclusive minutes left.
Calls to 0300 Numbers: The Basics
- Included in allowances: If your plan comes with inclusive minutes, calls to 0300 numbers will use those minutes, just like a normal landline call.
- Same as 01/02: If you run out of inclusive minutes, O2 charges the same rates it does for standard UK landlines.
- Not free from abroad: If you’re roaming outside the UK, 0300 calls are charged as international calls, and they won’t come out of your allowance.
O2 0300 Call Costs in 2025
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect to pay on O2 in 2025 when calling a 0300 number:
| Plan Type | Inclusive Minutes Left? | Cost to Call 0300 | Notes |
| Pay Monthly | Yes | Free (deducted from allowance) | Treated exactly like 01/02 calls |
| Pay Monthly | No | ~ 35p per minute + 35p access charge | After free minutes are used |
| Pay As You Go (PAYG) | Yes (bundle active) | Free (deducted from allowance) | As long as your bundle covers UK calls |
| Pay As You Go (PAYG) | No | ~ 30p per minute + 30p access charge | Charged once you’re out of the bundle |
| Roaming (abroad) | N/A | Charged as international | Not included in UK allowances |
Source: Ofcom (guide to call costs)
Why This Matters?
0300 numbers are widely used by organisations that want to offer a fair and accessible way for people to contact them. From charities like the NSPCC to government services like HMRC, you’ll often see 0300 numbers used instead of premium-rate lines.
With O2 (and all other UK networks), you can rest assured that these calls are never more expensive than a call to a local landline.
In Summary:
- If you have inclusive minutes on your O2 plan, calling a 0300 number won’t cost you a penny extra.
- If you’ve run out of minutes or you’re on PAYG without a bundle, expect to pay around 30–35p per minute plus a connection charge.
- Always double-check your own tariff for the most accurate information, but in 2025, the rules are clear: 0300 numbers are charged fairly, just like calling an 01/02 number.
