0345 numbers UK — is 0345 free to call?
Is 0345 free to call in the UK? Yes if you have inclusive mobile minutes. Here is the full 0345 explainer: cost, who uses 0345, and how to identify an 0345 caller.
On this page
0345 is a UK-rate non-geographic prefix — the modern default for UK bank, council, utility and SaaS support lines. Calls cost the same as a 01 or 02 landline call and are normally included in inclusive mobile minutes. If 0345 has called you and you want to know what it will cost to ring back, the short answer is almost certainly nothing. The longer answer is below.
Is 0345 free to call?
Calls to UK numbers starting 03 cost no more than calls to 01 and 02 numbers, and they count towards inclusive minutes in the same way. This applies regardless of whether the caller is on a landline or a mobile.
Effectively yes for most UK consumers in 2026. Technically, 0345 calls are charged at the same per-minute rate as a 01/02 landline call. In practice, every major UK mobile network (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, plus all the MVNOs) includes 0345 calls in inclusive minute bundles. So if you have any reasonable monthly contract or PAYG bundle, calls to 0345 will not appear on your bill.
On a UK landline, 0345 is also charged at the geographic rate — typically 5p per minute on a standard tariff, or free on most bundled landline plans.
What 0345 is and is not
| 0345 is | 0345 is not |
|---|---|
| A non-geographic UK-rate prefix | Tied to any UK city or region |
| Charged at 01/02 rate | Premium rate |
| Included in mobile inclusive minutes | Free in the strict sense (that is 0800) |
| Common with banks, councils, utilities and SaaS support | A guarantee the caller is legitimate |
| Listed in the Ofcom Numbering Plan | Listed in any current-owner directory |
Who uses 0345 in the UK?
Looking at the public Ofcom range data, 0345 ranges are heavily allocated to:
- UK banks — HSBC (0345 740 4404), Barclays (0345 734 5345), Nationwide (0345 730 2010), Halifax (0345 720 3040), and many others.
- Local councils — most UK local authorities use 0345 for their main switchboard.
- Energy and water utilities — British Gas, EDF, Anglian Water, Thames Water, etc.
- Government services — DVLA (0345 022 2200), DWP, HMRC self-assessment helpline (0345 366 7805 was used historically).
- Larger SaaS support desks — Salesforce, Zendesk, ServiceNow UK numbers.
Why so many businesses pick 0345
- Calls are bundled in minute allowances on every UK mobile network — no surprise costs for customers.
- It is not tied to a geographic area, so the same number works for callers anywhere in the UK.
- Cheaper for the receiving business than 0800 freephone (no per-minute wholesale freephone fee).
- Reads as national / professional rather than tied to one city.
- Easier to port between providers than a 020 / 0121 geographic when the business changes telecoms supplier.
How to verify an 0345 caller
Use the lookup form at the top of this site to see the Range Holder, then search the number plus the company name they claim to be from. Genuine 0345 numbers are usually published prominently on the company contact page, with the same digits.
Bottom line
0345 is the workhorse non-geographic prefix of UK business in 2026. Free if you have a bundle, cheap if you do not, and used by virtually every UK bank, council and major utility. Look up any unfamiliar 0345 number on this site to see the Range Holder and a live AI internet check, free.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 0345 free to call?
Effectively yes for most UK consumers in 2026. 0345 calls are charged at the same rate as a 01/02 landline call and are included in inclusive minute bundles on every major UK mobile network. For callers without a bundle, the cost is around 5p per minute.
Is 0345 included in my mobile bundle?
Yes — every major UK mobile network (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, plus the MVNOs) includes 0345 calls in inclusive minutes by default in 2026. Treat it like any 01 or 02 landline call.
Is 0345 a premium rate number?
No. 0345 is a UK-rate non-geographic prefix regulated by Ofcom as standard rate. Premium-rate numbers in the UK start with 09. There is no service charge or per-minute revenue share on 0345 calls.
Who called me from an 0345 number?
Look it up using the form at the top of this site — you will see the Ofcom Range Holder for the block and a live AI internet check that summarises any public reports about the exact number.
Sources & references
- UK Calling: clearer call chargesOfcomwww.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/clearer-call-charges
- National Telephone Numbering PlanOfcomwww.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/numbering-policy/numbering-plan
- Service-charge rules for 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbersOfcomwww.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/clearer-call-charges/service-charges
- UK Numbering Data (weekly feed)Ofcomwww.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/numbering-data
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