What is an 0800 number? A Comprehensive Guide 2025

Ever hesitated to call a business because you didn’t want to rack up charges? Yeah, we’ve all been there. And that’s exactly why 0800 numbers exist—they let you call businesses for free, whether you’re using a UK landline or a mobile. No hidden fees, no surprises. Just a direct line to the company you need.

Businesses simply love 0800 numbers. Why? According to a marketing analysis of 0800 numbers, businesses continue to use them to improve customer accessibility and boost brand trust. Customer service, sales contacts, and marketing operations can communicate without trouble by means of 0800 numbers.

But how do they actually work? And why do individuals in 2025 still use the 0800 numbers, although they were more popular some years back? Let’s dive in and find out why 0800 numbers are a game-changer for businesses—and why you might want one, too!

What are 0800 Numbers?

0800 numbers, also known as freephone numbers, are a type of toll-free number used in the United Kingdom and other countries like New Zealand and Australia. 0800 numbers are special numbers reserved and put into use by any business broadband for giving customers inquiries support at absolutely no charge.

These are the numbers that can connect any caller ID to a company or business free of charge. The cost of such outbound calls is paid by the recipient, thus making it a preferred option for companies seeking inquiries from customers. This means that if you call an 0800 business number, the company pays for the call, not you.

Did you know that 0800 numbers have been around since 1985? That’s right, these numbers have been helping businesses connect with customers for nearly four decades. 

How do 0800 Freephone Numbers Work?

0800 freephone numbers offer a simple, cost-free way for customers to contact businesses. When a customer dials an 0800 number, the business pays for the call, not the caller.

These numbers are usually forwarded through a call forwarding system to the preferred business phone system line, such as an office phone system, mobile number, or even a call contact center.

In such a setup, companies are able to receive redirecting calls infinitely more effectively and flexibly. Independent of any geographical locations.

Here is how 0800 numbers function broadly:

• Customer Makes the Call: When a customer dials an 0800 number, they are calling a business’s toll-free line.
• Business Covers the Cost: The company will be covering the cost, hence toll-free for the caller.
• Flexible Call Routing: Calls can be forwarded to any phone, whether it is a mobile landline or even a call center. This ensures that calls are directed to the appropriate department, such as sales or customer support.

0800 numbers help businesses improve accessibility and customer communications by offering a free and easy way for customers to get in touch.

Businesses Using 0800 Numbers:

0800 freephone numbers are in wide use in many different sectors to help improve customer service and communication. Below is a table illustrating different industries and the typical use of 0800 numbers within these sectors:

As you can see, many large brands, from utilities to tech support, use 0800 numbers to create seamless and cost-free ways for their customers to call. Here are specific examples of businesses that use 0800 numbers and their purpose:

Benefits of Using 0800 Freephone Numbers for Your Business

1. Improved Customer Trust

You will instantly appear much more professional and reliable with an 0800 business number. Customers have trust in businesses offering freephone numbers since it clearly illustrates that you value customer communications and are reachable at any time.

When customers feel sure about your brand, the engagement goes deeper, and their relationship with you is positive. The result of this is a great business broadband reputation. And when customers trust you, they’re more likely to stay!

2. More Customer Inquiries

No one wants to pay just to ask a question. Since 0800 tollfree numbers allow customers to call for free, they are more likely to reach out with inquiries, requests for information, or customer support needs.

Removing call costs eliminates a common barrier to communication, making it easier for potential customers to contact your business. This leads to more customer interactions and, eventually, more conversions and sales.

3. Increased Brand Credibility

An 0800 customer service number lets people know your business is established and focused on the customer. Large organizations and reputable brands have toll-free business numbers; hence, owning one can give you credibility.

In fact, a customer will view your company as more professional and trustworthy if they can get to you on a recognized nationwide freephone number.

4. Answer Outbound Calls from Anywhere

Running a business isn’t a 9-to-5 thing anymore. Whether you’re in the office, on the move, or managing a remote team, an 0800 virtual number can redirect calls to any device—landline and mobile, or even a VoIP system.

This means you never miss an important call, no matter where you are. Customers get fast responses, and you stay in control of your communications. Win-win!

5. Make Customer Service Effortless

Ever called a business and been hit with an automated message, bad hold music, or worse—no answer at all? Frustrating, right?

With an 0800 helpline number, your customers won’t have to deal with that headache. Instead, they get easy, instant access to your team. And when people can reach you without stress, they’re more likely to become loyal, happy customers.

6. Create a National Presence (Even if You’re a Small Business)

Here’s a secret: You don’t need to be a huge company to look like one. An 0800 phone number gives your business a nationwide presence, making you appear bigger, more established, and more accessible—even if you’re a small team.

Whether you’re a startup or a growing brand, a toll-free business number can help you attract more customers and compete with the big players.

How to Decide if Your Business Needs an 0800 Number

Thinking about getting a 0800 business number? It’s a smart move, but is it the right fit for your business? Ask yourself these key questions:

I. Do You Want to Attract More Customer Calls?

Offering a toll-free business number removes a major barrier—cost. There is high chance for customers to call when they know it’s free, which can increase inquiries, sales, and customer engagement.

II. Is Your Business Expanding or Targeting a Wider Audience?

Operating in more than one region or planning to, an 0800 freephone number immediately creates a national presence. It makes your business more reachable to customers across locations.

III. Do You Want to Increase Your Brand’s Credibility?

An 0800 customer service number shows professionalism and creates trust. Businesses in finance, healthcare, retail, and customer support often use freephone numbers to reassure customers that calling them will cost absolutely nothing.

IV. Can You Budget for the Costs?

While 0800 toll-free numbers are free for customers, businesses cover the cost of incoming calls. Ensure the investment aligns with your customer service strategy and long-term business goals.

V. Would Your Customers Benefit from a Free Contact Option?

If customer accessibility is a priority, providing a freephone business number can improve satisfaction, encourage inquiries, and make it easier for people to connect with your team.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, an 0800 business number could be a valuable asset. It enhances customer trust, brand credibility, and accessibility, making it easier for your business to connect with a wider audience.

When Should You Avoid Using an 0800 Number?

While 0800 numbers have many benefits, they might not be suitable for all types of businesses. If your customer base is small or your business operates mainly online, you might want to consider other options, such as live chat or email support.

Additionally, if your business doesn’t have the infrastructure to handle a high volume of calls, an 0800 number could overwhelm your support team.

How Much Do 0800 Numbers Cost?

For Callers: Absolutely Free

If you’re calling an 0800 number, great news—it’s 100% free from both landlines and mobiles. You won’t pay a penny, no matter how long the call lasts.

This makes 0800 business numbers an ideal way to contact customer support, make inquiries, or get information without worrying about call charges. The business covers the cost instead, giving customers hassle-free communication.

For Businesses: Costs to Consider

If you’re a business owner, buying 0800 numbers can lead to improved customer experience and enhanced accessibility. Costs for 0800 numbers are very different, each according to the provider and your chosen phone plan and its respective inclusions. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Setup Costs

Some toll-free number providers have a one-time setup fee that costs between £50 and £200, depending on the package of the service. This may not be charged by some if you will commit to a long-term plan.

2. Monthly Fees

The service 0800 number is attached with a monthly fee that may start from £5 to £50. It depends on your service provider and the features your business phone plan has chosen. Features such as missed call solutions management tools, call forwarding, call queuing, call recording, and call analytics may raise the price.

3. Call Charges

Since 0800 numbers are free for callers, businesses cover the cost per minute for incoming calls. Call charges usually range from £0.01 to £0.07 pence per minute, depending on the 0800 number call plan. If your business handles high call volumes, some freephone number providers offer bulk discounts or lower rates.

4. Additional Features

Many 0800 business number providers offer extra services like:

• Call Routing – Redirecting calls to mobiles and landlines or call centers.
• Voicemail-to-Email – Get voicemail messages sent directly to your inbox.
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – Automate call handling for better efficiency.
• Detailed Call Analytics – Track and analyze call performance for better insights.

These advanced features improve customer service and missed call handling, but they may come at an extra cost, so compare different 0800 number plans to find the best fit for your business.

How to Get an 0800 Number?

It is way easier to get an 0800 business number in the modern-day telecom solution. Be it a startup that requires a professional image or an established business willing to improve its customer service, getting an 0800 freephone number will make your brand more accessible and trustworthy.

Ways to Get an 0800 Number:

A. Getting an 0800 Number from a Telecom Provider

The traditional route would be getting an 0800 number from a telecom service provider like BT or UK limited providers. And it is just like setting up a regular UK landline phone. It’s great for those who enjoy doing things traditionally, keeping the business phone fixed, and would like one service provider responsible for routing it.

Pros: Reliable due to the networks having been set up over long periods.

Cons: Generally have higher setup and longer contracts.

B. Getting an 0800 Number from a VoIP Service Provider

To get around this, many businesses opt for a VoIP provider like Dialaxy that can offer flexible and cost-friendly options for 0800 numbers. The numbers are virtual because they work off the internet; no hardwired phones are needed for received calls.

Numbers can be made to ring at mobile or landline phones or call centers. They come bundled with extra functionality such as call recording, call queuing, voicemail, and detailed call analytics.

Pros: Cheaper, advanced call options, easy to set up, perfect for high call volumes

Cons: Call quality depends upon internet stability.

Which one is best for you?

If your business requires a traditional, stable telephone system, then a telecom provider will be better for you.

Looking for a cost-effective, scalable customer communication platform solution with smart call features? Then, an 0800 number powered by VoIP is the way to go.

Choosing a Provider for Your 0800 Number

Whether you choose a traditional telecom provider or go for a virtual phone number provided by companies such as Dialaxy, it’s very important to select one offering features you might want: call forwarding, call recording, call queuing, voicemail-to-email, and more advanced analytics.

With providers like Dialaxy, your 0800 number will come with an intuitive online communication platform where everything can be managed in one place. It would perfectly fit the companies seeking flexibility along with cost-effectiveness.

How to Set Up an 0800 Number?

Once you have selected your provider, setting up an 0800 toll-free number is pretty easy. Here are some simple steps to get your number up and running:

Step 1: Choose a Reliable 0800 Number Provider

Compare different 0800 number service providers for cost, call quality, features, and support. Check for reviews to see if the service provider offers call forwarding, call analytics, call recording, call queuing, and IVR.

Step 2: Choose Your Perfect 0800 Number

Most providers have an inventory of free 0800 numbers, which also include memorable or vanity numbers such as 0800-FREE-CALL. Pick one that identifies with your brand and would be remembered by customers.

Step 3: Configure the Call Forwarding & Features

Once your number is activated, set up the call routing according to your correct destination- landline and mobile business phone system, call center, or VoIP. Besides, you can also enable features like :

• Call forwarding: Redirecting calls to the respective departments/employees.
• Call analytics: Recordkeeping of customer calls for better analysis.
• Voicemail to email: Receiving voicemails as mails.
• IVR menus: Route received calls with automated voice prompts.

Step 4: Test Your 0800 Number

Test your 0800 number call solutions quality and set up for routing before going live. This is a crucial step to avoid dropped outbound calls or poor connections.

Step 5: Promote Your 0800 Number

Now that your 0800 business number is up and running shout about it! Display it on your website, business cards, advertisements, and social media to encourage more inquiries and interactions with customers.

Conclusion

An 0800 number isn’t just a line of communication; it is a business asset, breeding confidence and cultivating customer relationships much deeper within your professional imagery. You remove any barriers to communication when you offer customers a free, hassle-free way to reach you, making the brand more approachable in the process.

Whether you are a growing startup or an established company looking to better serve your customers, an 0800 business number can make all the difference. Now that you understand the costs, benefits, and how to set one up, the real question would be-are you ready to take your business communication to the next level?

FAQs:

Are 0800 numbers free from abroad?

No, 0800 numbers are typically only free when called from within the UK. International caller ID may incur call charges.

Will I get charged for answering an 0800 number?

No, you won’t be charged for answering received calls to your 0800 number, but you will pay for the incoming calls as the business owner.

How to call the NZ 0800 number from Australia?

To call a New Zealand 0800 number from Australia, you’ll need to use the international format: +64 800 followed by the rest of the number.

Is it safe to answer 0800 numbers?

Generally, yes. 0800 numbers are used by legitimate businesses. However, always be cautious and verify the caller ID if you’re unsure.

What is the 0800 calling number?

0800 is the prefix for freephone numbers in the UK. The full number will be 0800, followed by 6 or 7 digits.

Can you call 0800 numbers from USA?

Yes, but you’ll need to use the international format: +44 800, followed by the rest of the number. Charges may apply.

What is the 0800 number in Japan?

In Japan, the equivalent of 0800 numbers are called “free dial” numbers and typically start with 0120.

Are 0800 numbers free from mobiles and landlines?

Yes, 0800 numbers are free to call from both mobiles and landlines phones within the UK.

How to set up an 0800 number?

Choose a provider, select a plan, pick your number, complete registration, and set up call forwarding to complete setting up the 0800 number.

Can I use an 0800 number for my business?

Yes, any business can use an 0800 number. It’s particularly useful for companies wanting to encourage customer calls.

Should I answer 0800 numbers?

If you’re expecting a call from a business or have recently contacted one, it’s generally safe to answer. However, always be cautious of potential scams.