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0331 numbers are UK-wide non-geographic phone numbers used by businesses, public bodies, charities, helplines and customer service teams.
They are part of the wider 03 number range, which was introduced to give organisations a national contact number without charging callers premium rates.
The key point for UK callers is simple, 0331 numbers are not premium-rate numbers. Calls to 0331 numbers must cost no more than calls to standard UK geographic numbers beginning 01 or 02, and they must be included in inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.
Ofcom confirms that these rules apply from mobiles, landlines, BT lines, other fixed lines and payphones.
However, 0331 numbers are not automatically free. Whether you pay depends on your phone plan, remaining inclusive minutes and provider tariff.
What Are 0331 Numbers?
0331 numbers are part of the UK’s 03 non-geographic number range. Unlike 01 and 02 numbers, which are linked to specific towns, cities or regions, 0331 numbers are not tied to one local area.
This means a company in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow or anywhere else in the UK can use a 0331 number as a national contact line.
Ofcom introduced 03 numbers as an alternative to more expensive 08 numbers, allowing organisations to provide a single UK-wide contact point without making consumers pay extra to call.
Is 0331 an Area Code?
No, 0331 is not a UK area code. It does not identify a city, town or region.
A number beginning 0331 is a UK-wide non-geographic number. This is different from numbers such as 020 for London, 0161 for Manchester or 0131 for Edinburgh.
Because 0331 numbers are non-geographic, they are often used by organisations that want one consistent phone number for customers across the UK.
Are 0331 Numbers Free to Call?
0331 numbers are not freephone numbers, but they may be free to call if your phone plan includes inclusive minutes.
If your mobile or landline package includes calls to UK landlines, calls to 0331 numbers should normally come out of that allowance. Ofcom states that calls to 03 numbers must count towards inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.
If you have no inclusive minutes left, or your plan charges separately for standard calls, you may pay your provider’s normal geographic call rate.
For comparison, 0800 and 0808 numbers are freephone numbers and are free from consumer mobiles and landlines. 0331 numbers are different because they are charged like 01 and 02 numbers, not like freephone numbers.
How Much Does It Cost to Call 0331 Numbers?
The cost of calling a 0331 number depends on your phone provider and tariff, but the call must not cost more than calling a standard 01 or 02 number.
According to Ofcom’s call cost guide, 03 numbers cost no more than geographic numbers. Typical landline charges may be up to 16p per minute, while mobile charges outside inclusive minutes can vary widely depending on the plan.
GOV.UK also lists 03 numbers as UK-wide numbers, with approximate costs of up to 16p per minute from landlines and around 3p to 65p per minute from mobiles, depending on provider and tariff. GOV.UK advises checking directly with the phone provider for exact charges, especially when calling from abroad.
| Calling from | Typical 0331 cost |
| Mobile with inclusive minutes | Usually included in allowance |
| Mobile without inclusive minutes | Charged at standard 01/02 geographic rate |
| Landline with call package | Usually included if 01/02 calls are included |
| Landline without call package | Charged at standard landline rate |
| Pay As You Go mobile | Charged at the provider’s standard geographic call rate |
| International phone | Charged according to the overseas provider’s international call rates |
Do 0331 Numbers Use Inclusive Minutes?
Yes, 0331 numbers should use inclusive minutes if your plan includes calls to standard UK geographic numbers.
Ofcom says 03 numbers must count towards inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. EE also states that calls to 03 numbers, as well as 01 and 02 numbers, come out of inclusive minutes.
O2 business tariff terms similarly state that inclusive minutes can be used for calls made in the UK to standard UK landlines starting 01, 02 or 03.
This means a 0331 number should not be treated like a premium-rate number, service-charge number or special-rate 08 number.
0331 Number Cost by Network
0331 call costs are not the same across every UK network because each provider sets its own standard call rates outside inclusive allowances. However, all providers must follow the Ofcom rule that 03 numbers cost no more than 01 or 02 numbers.
| Network or provider type | What to know |
| EE | EE states that 03 numbers come out of inclusive minutes, like 01 and 02 numbers. |
| O2 | O2 business terms include 01, 02 and 03 numbers in inclusive minutes, O2’s extra charges guide lists separate standard voice call charges outside allowance. |
| Vodafone, Three and other mobile networks | Calls should be treated like standard 01/02 calls, but out-of-bundle rates depend on the customer’s tariff. |
| Landline providers | Calls are usually included where the package includes UK landline calls; otherwise standard geographic call charges apply. |
Always check your current tariff before calling if you are on Pay As You Go, have limited minutes or are calling from outside the UK.
Why Do Businesses Use 0331 Numbers?
Businesses and organisations use 0331 numbers because they provide a national contact number without linking the organisation to one location.
Common reasons include:
- National Presence: A 0331 number helps a business look accessible across the UK. Customers do not see it as tied to a specific city or region.
- Customer Cost Transparency: Calls to 0331 numbers are charged like 01 and 02 numbers and must be included in bundled minutes where applicable. This makes them clearer and more consumer-friendly than many 084, 087 or 09 numbers.
- Professional Image: A non-geographic number can make a company appear more established, especially if it serves customers across several regions.
- Flexible Call Routing: Businesses can route 0331 calls to different offices, call centres or remote teams. This helps customer service teams manage calls without changing the public-facing number.
Are 0331 Numbers Premium Rate?
No, 0331 numbers are not premium-rate numbers.
Premium-rate numbers usually start with 09, while many higher-cost business-rate numbers start with 084 or 087. GOV.UK lists 084, 087 and 09 numbers separately from 03 numbers because they may include service charges and access charges.
0331 numbers do not allow revenue sharing, meaning the organisation receiving the call cannot receive a share of what the caller pays. Ofcom confirms that revenue sharing is not allowed on calls to 03 numbers.
Can 0331 Numbers Be Scam Calls?
A 0331 number is not automatically suspicious. Many legitimate businesses and organisations use 03 numbers.
However, scammers can use or spoof many types of numbers, including numbers that look official.
You should be cautious if a caller:
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Asks for bank details, passwords or one-time passcodes
- Claims there is a problem with your tax, bank, parcel, benefit payment or account
- Asks you to transfer money
- Refuses to let you call back through an official website or app
If the call feels suspicious, hang up and contact the organisation through a trusted official channel.
Can You Block 0331 Numbers?
Yes, you can block a 0331 number on most smartphones.
On iPhone
Open the Phone app, go to the recent call or contact, and use the block option. Apple’s support guidance explains that iPhone users can block specific phone numbers and manage blocked contacts in settings.
On Android
Open the Phone app, go to call history, tap the number and select the block or report spam option. Google’s Phone app support explains that users can block a number from call history.
Blocking one 0331 number will only block that specific number. It will not block every number beginning with 0331 unless your device or call-blocking app supports broader number-range blocking.
How Can You Report a Suspicious 0331 Number?
If you receive a suspicious call from a 0331 number, report it through the right channel.
| Situation | What to do |
| Scam call or suspicious mobile call | Report it to 7726, the UK spam-reporting number used by most mobile networks. |
| You lost money or shared personal details | Report it to Report Fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland if you are in Scotland. |
| Nuisance marketing call | Report it to the Information Commissioner’s Office, which handles nuisance marketing calls and messages. |
| Silent or abandoned call | Report it to Ofcom, which deals with silent and abandoned call issues. |
When reporting, keep details such as the number, date, time, what the caller said and whether any money or personal information was requested.
0331 Numbers vs 0300, 0330 and 0345 Numbers
0331 numbers work in the same general way as other 03 numbers. They are UK-wide numbers and must cost no more than 01 or 02 calls.
| Number type | Main use | Cost rule |
| 0300 | Often used by public bodies, charities and non-profit organisations | Same as 01/02 calls |
| 0330 | Common business and customer service number | Same as 01/02 calls |
| 0331 | UK-wide business or organisation number | Same as 01/02 calls |
| 0345 | Often replaced older 0845 customer service numbers | Same as 01/02 calls |
| 0800 / 0808 | Freephone services | Free from consumer mobiles and landlines |
Should You Call Back a Missed 0331 Number?
You can call back a missed 0331 number if you recognise the organisation or are expecting the call. Since 0331 numbers are not premium-rate numbers, calling back should cost no more than a standard 01 or 02 call.
However, if you do not recognise the number, it is safer to:
- Search for the organisation’s official contact details.
- Avoid using numbers sent in suspicious texts or emails.
- Call through an official website, app or letter.
- Never share bank details or security codes on an unexpected call.
Conclusion
0331 numbers are UK-wide non-geographic numbers used by businesses, charities, public services and customer support teams. They are not premium-rate numbers and must cost no more than calls to standard 01 or 02 numbers.
If your phone plan includes inclusive minutes, calls to 0331 numbers should normally be included. If you are outside your allowance, using Pay As You Go or calling from abroad, the exact cost depends on your provider’s tariff.
The safest approach is to treat 0331 numbers as standard-rate UK numbers, not freephone numbers. If a 0331 caller seems suspicious, do not share personal or financial details. Hang up, verify the organisation independently and report the call if needed.
FAQs About 0331 Numbers
Are 0331 numbers free?
0331 numbers are not automatically free. They are usually included in inclusive minutes, but if you have no allowance or your plan charges for standard calls, you may pay your provider’s geographic call rate.
Are 0331 numbers premium rate?
No, 0331 numbers are not premium-rate numbers. They must cost no more than calls to standard 01 or 02 numbers.
Do 0331 numbers use mobile minutes?
Yes, if your mobile plan includes UK call minutes, 0331 calls should normally come out of that allowance.
How much does it cost to call 0331 from a mobile?
If included in your allowance, there is usually no extra charge. Outside allowance, the call is charged at your provider’s standard geographic call rate.
How much does it cost to call 0331 from a landline?
If your landline package includes UK landline calls, 0331 calls are usually included. Otherwise, standard geographic call charges apply.
Is 0331 a UK area code?
No, 0331 is not a local area code. It is part of the UK-wide 03 non-geographic number range.
Can businesses use 0331 numbers?
Yes, businesses often use 0331 numbers for customer service, helplines and national enquiry lines.
Do charities use 0331 numbers?
Yes, charities and non-profit organisations can use 0331 numbers, although many public bodies and charities also use 0300 numbers.
Can international callers call 0331 numbers?
In many cases, yes, but international access depends on the overseas provider. Charges will usually be based on international call rates.
Can I block a 0331 number?
Yes, you can block a specific 0331 number on iPhone, Android or through your phone provider’s call-blocking tools.
How do I report a scam 0331 call?
You can report suspicious mobile calls to 7726. If you lost money or shared personal details, report it to Report Fraud or Police Scotland, depending on where you live.
Source
- Ofcom – What are 03 numbers?
- Ofcom – How much does a phone call really cost?
- GOV.UK – Call charges and phone numbers
- EE – Costs to call non-geographic numbers
- O2 – Extra charges guide
- O2 Business – Inclusive minute tariff terms
- Ofcom – Report scam texts and mobile calls to 7726
- NCSC – Report a scam phone call
- ICO – Nuisance calls and messages
- Apple Support – Block phone numbers on iPhone
- Google Phone App Help – Block or unblock a phone number