How to call premium rate phone numbers for free

Don't get stung by premium rate service numbers. Here's how to dial down your calling costs.

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The only thing special about so-called 'special numbers' (or 'service numbers') is the hidden charges they can whack you with.

As these numbers are often not included in contract minutes, they can quickly ramp up your costs. They're not classed as standard landline numbers (unlike 01, 02 or 03 calls), meaning they could potentially leave you paying around 90p a minute for dialling.

It's now against the law for companies to use expensive 08 numbers for customer service lines. Instead, you should always have access to a standard/freephone number.

But despite strict rules being imposed about when companies are allowed to use 084 or 087 numbers, you'll still find them floating around. These troublesome digits can be beaten – here's how.

How to call 08 service numbers for free

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When possible, look for alternatives to premium rate numbers, like ones that start with 0844, 0845, 0870 or 0871 (see more below).

If you need to call customer service or a helpline, the company should already have a standard or free number you can call. Check their website before resigning yourself to using a premium rate number.

However, if you're stuck having to call an expensive line, you can dodge costs by checking out these websites:

1. Saynoto0870.com

   

   This site couldn't be more simple. To use it, enter either the number or business name into the search bar to reveal a cheaper alternative number.

   Say No To 0870 also lets you add any free or cheap numbers you've found to help other callers.

   However, since Say No to 0870 is an open-source website, some numbers may not work or, even worse, be posted by scammers. Check the number by googling it before making your phone call.

   Visit Saynoto0870.com »

    

2. WeQ4U

   

   If you want to put as little effort as possible into your calls, download the WeQ4U app.

   This handy app not only gives you a cheaper number to call but saves you from waiting around on hold by giving you a call back once you're connected to a real person.

   You can download the app on the App Store and on Google Play.

   If you don't have a smartphone, you can also use the service on a landline. Check their website for details on how to do this.

   The best thing is that, while you'll only pay for a standard rate call, you won't be charged while queuing (as you would if you dialled directly). That's one way to stretch your call allowance even further.

   And, as an elite-level hack, you could get a free number through Say No To 0870, then dial that number through the WeQ4U app to avoid waiting on hold.

   Visit WeQ4U »

    

Premium rate numbers to look out for

These are the most commonly used premium and business rate numbers:

1. 0843
2. 0844
3. 0845
4. 0870
5. 0871
6. 0872
7. 0873
8. 09
9. 118.

Thanks to some changes to the law, it's now illegal for retailers, public transport companies and traders to use these numbers for 'post-contract' customer service lines. In other words, if you've already bought a product from them, you won't need to call one of these pricey numbers to get in touch.

However, companies can use these numbers for other purposes, including sales. This means that if you're buying a product over the phone, there's a chance you'll be paying just to carry out the transaction in the first place.

National Express is one of the big-name companies that still use a pricey 0871 number for new ticket sales – but you can dodge these costs by booking online or using one of our fixes.

You won't usually come across 09 numbers unless you're entering competitions over the phone, voting on TV, or using chat lines. And if you want to avoid a heart-stopping phone bill we would suggest avoiding these at all cost.

118 numbers are directory enquiry numbers. If you have a phone in your hand, it's more than likely you can find whatever phone number you're looking for online, and you'll find it works out a whole lot cheaper that way.

How much do 0800 numbers cost?

0800 and 0808 numbers are free to call from mobiles and landlines. They won't appear on your phone bill, and shouldn't come out of your inclusive allowance either.

Are 0871 numbers free?

No, similar to other 087 numbers (0870, 0872 and 0873), 0871 numbers cost up to 13p per minute on top of any access charges from your provider. Luckily, you can try to find alternative phone numbers for 0871 numbers with our tips above.

How much do premium rate calls cost?

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How much you're charged for calling expensive 08, 09 or 118 numbers (excluding 0800 and 0808 numbers, as mentioned above) depends on the network you're with and who you're calling.

The cost is made up of an access charge (what your provider charges to connect you) and a service charge, which is set by the company you're calling.

Access charges will vary from network to network (we list the main mobile ones below), but service charges will usually cost the following:

• • 084 – up to 7p per minute
  • 087 – up to 13p per minute
  • 09 – up to £3.60 per minute
  • 118 – up to £3.65 per 90 seconds.

The company you're calling should tell you the service charge when you phone (e.g. "calls cost 7p per minute, plus your network's access charge").

Separating the cost like this is meant to make it easier to work out how much your call's going to cost. But, of course, you'll need to know both charges (the call rate of the company you're calling, plus your network's access charge) and add them together to find an estimate.

Calling premium rate numbers from a mobile

Compared to landlines, access rate charges are far more expensive than landlines. Depending on your network, you could be paying around 90p every minute to call an 087 number.

If you can't avoid calling business rate or premium rate numbers altogether (and can't use one of the free numbers), it may be cheaper to call from a landline. Chances are you won't have one in your student home, but your parents might. If your call can wait, do it next time you're home from uni.

Mobile network access charges

If you have no choice but to use your mobile, and there's no free alternative to the premium rate number, here are the access charges for the major UK mobile networks.

*All prices are correct at the time of writing.

Note: In the table, we've linked to each network's site for a more detailed breakdown of costs.

Calling premium rate numbers from a landline

Some landline plans include calls to 084 and 087 numbers as standard. This means there could be no extra charge involved in calling a premium rate number. Some providers will also offer free periods, such as evenings and weekends, during which you can call these numbers for free.

If you're unable to get free premium rate calls through your landline provider, don't worry. It's still much cheaper than calling an 084 or 087 number from a mobile. You'll typically be looking at an access charge that's about half the rate mobile networks charge, making this the smart option if it's available.

We know students don't tend to have landlines so we won't bother you with the full list of charges here. But if you do have a landline, Ofcom's call charge guide explains how much you can expect to get charged.

Cut down your monthly bill further with our guide to making cheap international phone calls.