How much does it cost to call 0300 numbers?
Calling an 0300 number costs the same as calling a normal 01 or 02 landline, and the call comes out of your inclusive minutes. 0300 numbers are reserved by Ofcom for public bodies and charities, so the caller is typically a council, government department, NHS service or charity.
Verified against Ofcom rules and provider tariff guides, August 2026.
Same as calling a landline - usually free within your allowance
Ofcom requires 03 numbers to cost no more than calls to geographic 01 and 02 numbers, and they count towards inclusive minutes. If your plan has inclusive minutes, the call is covered. There is never a premium on an 03 number.
Public bodies and charities can get an 0300 number with ONSIM. 0300 numbers from ONSIM →
0300 cost questions
Are 0300 numbers free to call?
Effectively yes for most people: 0300 calls are charged like calls to a normal landline and count towards inclusive minutes, so with an allowance the call costs nothing extra. Without inclusive minutes you pay your standard landline call rate.
Do inclusive minutes cover 0300 numbers?
Yes, on virtually all UK mobile and landline tariffs. This is an Ofcom rule for the 03 and geographic ranges, not a provider choice.
How much is a 10 minute call to an 0300 number?
With inclusive minutes: nothing. Without: ten minutes at your standard landline rate, typically well under £2 in total.
Why is an organisation using an 0300 number?
03 numbers give a national, non-geographic identity while being fair to callers - Ofcom reserves 0300 for public bodies and charities, while 0330/0333/0345 serve businesses. They replaced the mistrusted 084/087 ranges for most reputable organisations.