You may be wondering how much you’ll pay to call 0345 from a mobile.
What you need to know in 2025:
- Numbers beginning with 03 including 0345, are non-geographic UK-wide numbers. According to the regulator Ofcom, calls to 03 numbers must be charged ‘no more than’ the rate of a national landline number (01/02) and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01/02 calls.
- This means if your mobile plan includes all landline calls, then calls to a 0345 number should usually be included in that.
- However, in practice, charges can still vary depending on your provider especially if you exceed inclusive minutes or you’re on a pay-as-you-go plan. A recent review found mobile rates from around 3p to 55p per minute for 0345 calls.
- In January 2025, Ofcom introduced new rules to protect consumers from unexpected mid-contract price rises in telecoms (mobile + broadband). While this doesn’t directly concern call charges to 0345, it affects transparency in all mobile contracts.
Typical costs in 2025
(Approximate costs when calling a 0345 number from a mobile phone in the UK in 2025)
| Scenario | Approximate cost |
| If your mobile plan includes ‘calls to landlines (01/02)’ and 03 numbers are treated the same. | Often included with no extra cost |
| If you have inclusive minutes but have used them up. | 3p to 55p per minute (varies by mobile operator) |
| From a landline phone (for comparison) | Up to 16p per minute for 0345 calls according to older guidance. |
Example from mobile operators:
While providers change their tariffs frequently, recent data shows:
- Some providers list as low as 3p per minute once inclusive minutes are used.
- Some pay-as-you-go or out-of-bundle tariffs may still charge 50p+ per minute for 0345 numbers.
- Calls to 03/0345 should be treated like 01/02 calls in your inclusive bundle, but always check your contract.
What this means for businesses with a 0345 number
- You can safely tell customers that calling your number should be included in most mobile inclusive minutes, just like a normal landline number.
- Remember, you should also add a disclaimer: ‘Check your mobile operator’s terms – if you exceed inclusive minutes or you’re on pay-as-you-go, further charges may apply.’
- It’s still a competitive choice: 0345 numbers are national, familiar to UK customers, and easier to communicate than obscure non-geographic prefixes with higher charges.
Significant changes since the last update
- The regulatory stance remains consistent: 03/0345 must not cost more than 01/02 numbers.
- There is more emphasis in 2025 on transparency in mobile contracts (thanks to Ofcom’s mid-contract pricing rules). Mobile operators must clearly state any changes in pounds & pence.
- There has been an increasing trend of mobile tariffs simply including calls to 03 numbers rather than charging separately, for example: ‘calls to UK landlines & 03 numbers included’.
- The landscape of pay-as-you-go and out-of-bundle rates still varies – so ‘inclusion in the bundle’ is key.
Final overview
- If you’re on a mobile plan with inclusive minutes for UK landlines (01/02), then calling 0345 should count as part of those minutes effectively at no extra cost.
- If you have used up inclusive minutes or are on a pay-as-you-go tariff, then you may be charged per minute (approx. from 3p to 55p per minute (2025 data).
- Always check your mobile provider’s specific terms.
- From a landline, 0345 calls used to cost up to 16p per minute (though this depends on your landline plan).
For more info on 0345 numbers, call 0330 332 0400 – our friendly team is on hand with further details.
