Premium Call Numbers UK: Can You Call Them for Free?

You see a number starting with 09, 087, 118, or maybe 084, and think: 

“Surely this is just a normal call?” 

Then the bill lands. 

Not fun. 

Premium call numbers in the UK can be confusing because they often look like regular service numbers. You might find them on competition pages, directory enquiry services, voting lines, advice lines, booking services, or random “customer support” pages online. 

The simple answer is this: premium call numbers are usually not free. In most cases, you pay your phone company’s access charge plus a service charge set by the company you are calling. 

So before calling one, always check the number, the cost, and whether there is a cheaper normal number instead. 

Quick Facts 

So, Can You Call Premium Numbers for Free? 

Usually, no. 

Premium call numbers are not like normal UK mobile or landline numbers. They are designed for services where the cost of the call helps pay for the service being provided. 

That might be a competition line, voting line, horoscope service, adult line, directory enquiry service, technical support line, recorded information service, or paid advice line. 

So if you are on a SIM-only plan with unlimited UK minutes, do not assume premium numbers are included. 

They usually are not. 

That is where people get caught. 

You might think, “I’ve got unlimited calls, I’m fine.” 

Then you call an 09 or 118 number and realise unlimited minutes do not mean unlimited everything. 

Bit painful. 

What Counts as a Premium Call Number? 

Premium numbers are not always obvious at first glance. 

Here is the simple version. 

The main ones to watch are 09, 087, 118, and some 084 numbers. 

If you see one of those, pause before calling. 

Zara’s Story: “I Thought It Was Customer Support” 

Zara searched online for a company’s customer service number. 

The first result looked official enough, so she called it. 

The person on the line connected her to the company she actually wanted. The call worked, so she thought everything was fine. 

Then she checked her bill. 

The number was not the company’s real customer support line. It was a third-party connection service using a chargeable number. 

Ofcom calls these Information, Connection and Signposting Services, or ICSS. They can connect you to organisations, but they can be more expensive than calling the company directly.  

That is why you should be careful when searching for numbers online. 

The top result is not always the cheapest or official one. 

How Premium Call Charges Work 

Premium call charges usually have two parts. 

The first is the access charge. This is what your phone company charges you for connecting the call. 

The second is the service charge. This is set by the organisation or service you are calling. 

So your total cost is: 

Access charge + service charge 

Simple example: 

If your provider charges a 40p per minute access charge, and the service has a £1 per minute service charge, your total cost could be £1.40 per minute. 

Stay on the phone for ten minutes, and suddenly that “quick call” is not quick or cheap. 

That is the bit people miss. 

The advertised price may say something like: 

“Calls cost £1 per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.” 

That last bit matters. 

It is not just £1. 

It is £1 plus whatever your provider charges. 

Common Premium Number Costs 

Ofcom says service charges must be clearly displayed wherever the phone number is advertised or promoted.  

So if the price is not clear, that is already a red flag. 

Why Are Premium Numbers So Expensive? 

Because the call is not just paying for the connection. 

It is paying for the service behind the call. 

That could be: 

• Entering a competition  
• Voting on TV  
• Getting directory enquiries  
• Calling a chat line  
• Receiving recorded information  
• Calling a paid advice service  
• Using a connection service  
• Paying for entertainment or content by phone bill  

Ofcom explains that premium rate services cover content, goods, or services charged to a phone bill, including things like music subscriptions, games, charity donations, and TV voting.  

In normal words, your phone bill becomes the payment method. 

Handy sometimes. 

Dangerous if you do not realise what you are paying for. 

Imran’s Story: “One Quick Call Turned Into a Bill Shock” 

Imran needed a number quickly and called a directory enquiry service. 

He only wanted one phone number. 

The call felt short, so he did not think much of it. 

Later, he saw the charge and thought, “For that?” 

That is the problem with 118 numbers. They can charge heavily for very short calls. Ofcom says 118 service charges are capped at £3.65 per 90 seconds, but the access charge from your phone company is still added on top.  

So even a short call can sting. 

And if the service offers to connect you onward, be extra careful. Staying connected through that service can cost more than hanging up and calling the number directly. 

Are 0800 Numbers Premium Numbers? 

No. 

This is a common mix-up. 

Numbers starting 0800 and 0808 are freephone numbers. GOV.UK lists 0800 and 0808 calls as free from landlines and mobiles.  

So if you are looking for a customer service number, a genuine 0800 or 0808 number is usually a much safer option than an 084, 087, 09, or 118 number. 

But still check the official company website. 

Do not trust random search results blindly. 

What About 0345 Numbers? 

0345 numbers are not premium numbers. 

They are UK-wide 03 numbers and are charged like normal 01 and 02 numbers. GOV.UK lists 03 and 0345 numbers as UK-wide numbers with standard call costs.  

That means they are often included in mobile plans in the same way as regular UK calls, depending on your provider and plan. 

So if a company gives you both an 084 number and a 0345 number, the 0345 number is usually the better shout. 

Where Talk Home Mobile Fits In 

If you use Talk Home Mobile, the main thing is to know which numbers are free, which numbers are standard, and which numbers may cost extra. 

Talk Home says emergency services, including 999, 112, 111, 101, and 105, plus 0800 numbers, voicemail, and Talk Home customer service on 579, are free to dial.  

Talk Home also says UK call rates can vary depending on the starting digits of the number you call, and users should check Talk Home rates or contact support for updated national rate call information.  

That matters because premium numbers are not the same as normal mobile or landline calls. 

If you are unsure, check before calling. 

Especially if the number starts with: 

• 09  
• 087  
• 118  
• 084  

A quick check can save you from a proper annoying bill surprise. 

Common Mistakes People Make 

How to Avoid Premium Call Charges 

Before calling, check the number prefix. 

If it starts with 09, 087, 118, or 084, pause and check the price. 

Look for an alternative number on the company’s official website. Try to find an 03, 0800, 0808, or in-app support option. 

If you need customer service, use the official app or website instead of random search results. 

If the number says “plus your phone company’s access charge,” check your provider’s access charge first. 

If you are calling a directory enquiry service, ask yourself whether you can find the number online for free. 

If you have kids or shared users on your plan, ask your provider if you can block premium rate calls. 

Ofcom says 09 numbers can be barred from being dialled from your phone, as with other numbers.  

That is a useful option if you want peace of mind. 

Quick Checklist Before Calling a Premium Number 

Try this first: 

• Check the number prefix  
• Avoid 09, 087, 118, and some 084 unless necessary  
• Search for an official 03 or 0800 number  
• Check your provider’s access charge  
• Check the service charge  
• Avoid third-party connection sites  
• Do not stay on hold for ages  
• Use company apps or live chat where possible  
• Ask your provider about premium call blocking  
• Check your bill after calling if you are unsure  

This is boring admin, yes. 

But it is better than opening your bill and feeling personally attacked. 

What Not to Do 

Do not call back unknown premium-looking numbers. 

Do not assume “unlimited calls” means every number is free. 

Do not trust every number that appears at the top of search results. 

Do not ignore small print saying “plus access charge.” 

Do not use 118 unless you really need it. 

Do not hand your phone to kids with premium calls unblocked if you are worried about competitions, voting lines, or chargeable services. 

And do not stay on the line thinking, “It’ll only be another minute.” 

On premium numbers, another minute can actually matter. 

Final Thoughts 

Premium call numbers in the UK are usually not free. 

Numbers starting 09, 087, 118, and some 084 numbers can cost more than normal calls because they include a service charge and your phone company’s access charge. 

That does not mean every premium number is dodgy. Some are legitimate services, like TV voting, competitions, directory enquiries, advice lines, and charity donations. 

But you should always know the cost before calling. 

If you want a safer route, look for an official 03, 0800, or 0808 number, use live chat, or contact the company through its app. 

For Talk Home Mobile users, free numbers like 579, 0800, emergency services, and voicemail are clearly useful. But premium numbers are a different category, so always check the rate before dialling. 

A quick check now can save a nasty bill later. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you call premium numbers for free in the UK? 

Usually, no. Premium numbers such as 09, 087, 118, and some 084 numbers normally cost extra and are not treated like standard UK calls. 

What numbers are classed as premium rate? 

Ofcom says premium rate numbers generally begin with 09, 118, 087, and some 084 numbers. Five- and six-digit mobile shortcodes can also be premium rate services.  

Are 0800 numbers premium numbers? 

No. 0800 and 0808 numbers are freephone numbers and are free to call from mobiles and landlines.  

Are 0345 numbers premium rate? 

No. 0345 numbers are 03 numbers, charged like standard UK 01 and 02 numbers. They are often included in call allowances, depending on your provider.  

How much do 09 numbers cost? 

Ofcom says 09 numbers can have a service charge from 1p to £3.60 per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. There may also be a one-off call cost from 5p to £6.  

How much do 118 numbers cost? 

Ofcom says 118 service charges are capped at £3.65 per 90 seconds, plus your phone company’s access charge.  

Can I block premium rate numbers? 

Yes, many providers allow premium rate call barring or spend controls. Ofcom notes that 09 numbers can be barred from being dialled from your phone.  

Are premium numbers included in unlimited minutes? 

Usually not. Treat premium rate numbers as chargeable unless your provider clearly says otherwise.