0345 Numbers UK: What They Cost, Who Uses Them & Local Rate Business Guide (2026)

By Andy Pickett · Managing Director

Published 17 April 2026 · About the author

You’ll see 0345 numbers on the contact pages of banks, insurance companies, energy providers, and government departments across the UK. But what exactly is an 0345 number, how much does it cost to call, and should your business consider getting one? This guide covers everything you need to know about 0345 numbers in 2026, including costs, Ofcom rules, and how they compare to alternatives like 0333 and 0800.

What Is an 0345 Number?

An 0345 number is a UK non-geographic telephone number, meaning it’s not tied to any specific city, town, or region. Unlike 01 or 02 numbers (which identify a caller’s location), 0345 gives no indication of where the business or organisation is based.

0345 numbers belong to the “03” range, which Ofcom introduced as a fairer alternative to expensive 0870 and 0845 numbers. The key principle behind all 03 numbers is simple: they must cost the same as calling a geographic 01 or 02 number, and they must be included in any bundled minutes or free-call packages.

Because of this pricing structure, 0345 numbers are sometimes referred to as “local rate” numbers — though technically the charge is “geographic rate” rather than a flat local rate.

How Much Does It Cost to Call an 0345 Number?

Calling an 0345 number costs exactly the same as calling a standard UK landline number starting with 01 or 02. The specific rate depends on your phone provider and plan:

• From a mobile with inclusive minutes: Free — 0345 calls use your bundled minutes just like any 01/02 call
• From a mobile without inclusive minutes: Same per-minute rate as calling any geographic number (typically 3–55p per minute depending on your tariff)
• From a landline: Included in most call packages, or charged at the standard geographic rate if you pay per call

The critical difference between 0345 and older non-geographic numbers like 0845 or 0870 is that 0345 calls are always included in your bundled minutes. This means the vast majority of UK mobile users can call 0345 numbers at no extra cost.

Who Uses 0345 Numbers?

0345 numbers are particularly popular with large organisations that want a single national contact number without charging callers premium rates. Common users include:

• Banks and building societies: HSBC, Barclays, Nationwide, and Santander all use 0345 numbers for customer service
• Utility companies: British Gas, Scottish Power, and several water companies use 0345 for billing and support
• Government departments: HMRC, the DVLA, and local councils have migrated many helplines to 0345
• Insurance companies: Claims lines and customer service often use 0345
• NHS services: Some NHS trusts use 0345 for appointment booking and enquiries

The pattern is clear: organisations that handle high volumes of inbound calls from the general public choose 0345 because it removes the cost barrier that deters people from calling.

0345 vs 0333: What’s the Difference?

Both 0345 and 0333 numbers belong to the 03 range and follow exactly the same pricing rules. There is no difference in cost for the caller. The distinctions are subtle:

• 0345 was originally positioned as the direct replacement for 0845, so it’s seen more often with organisations that previously used 0845
• 0333 is the most common 03 prefix and is widely used by businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises
• Number availability: 0333 numbers tend to have more “memorable” or “golden” numbers available because the range is larger
• Public perception: Both are equally trusted, though 0333 is more widely recognised as the “modern” business number prefix

For practical purposes, there is no meaningful difference. Choose whichever has the specific number you want, or whichever your VoIP provider offers.

0345 vs 0845: Why 0345 Is Better

0345 was specifically created as a replacement for 0845 numbers. The differences are significant:

• Call cost: 0345 = geographic rate (included in minutes). 0845 = service charge + access charge (not included in minutes). Calling 0845 from a mobile can cost up to 72p per minute vs effectively free for 0345
• Revenue sharing: Not permitted on 0345 (or any 03 number). Permitted on 0845. This means 0845 providers can earn revenue from inbound calls at the caller’s expense
• Public trust: Consumers increasingly avoid 0845 numbers due to cost concerns. 0345 numbers don’t carry the same stigma
• Ofcom recommendation: Ofcom actively encourages organisations to migrate from 0845 to 03 numbers

How to Get a 0345 Number for Your Business

Getting a 0345 number is straightforward in 2026. Most VoIP and hosted phone system providers offer 0345 numbers as part of their service. Here’s how:

• Choose a VoIP provider: Cloud phone systems like Hypercloud from Connection Technologies include 0345 numbers with hosted VoIP plans starting from £12 per user per month
• Select your number: You can typically choose from a range of available 0345 numbers, including memorable sequences
• Set up call routing: Configure where calls to your 0345 number should be directed — desk phones, mobiles, teams, or an auto-attendant
• Port an existing number: If you have a current 0345 number with another provider, you can port it to your new system in 5–10 working days

Frequently Asked Questions