084 and 087 numbers: 0843, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871, 0872, 0873

Numbers starting 084 or 087 (0843, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871, 0872, 0873) are UK non-geographic service numbers used by businesses. Since 1 July 2015 a call to one costs two parts: your phone company's access charge plus a service charge set by the organisation, which Ofcom caps at 7p a minute for 084 and 13p a minute for 087 (including VAT).

United Kingdom · Service numbers · Facts checked November 9, 2026

What these numbers look like

From abroad
+44 84X XXX XXXX / +44 87X XXX XXXX
Inside United Kingdom
084X XXX XXXX / 087X XXX XXXX

11 digits nationally. Many 084/087 numbers can't be reached from outside the UK; the organisation may give a geographic or 03 alternative for overseas callers.

Who uses UK 084 / 087 numbers?

Ofcom allocates these blocks under the National Telephone Numbering Plan. Under the UK Calling rules in force since 1 July 2015, every consumer call to 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers is split into an access charge (your provider's per-minute rate, shown on your bill) and a service charge (set by the organisation and attached to each number block). The plan caps the service charge at 5.833p per minute excluding VAT for 0843-0845 and 10.83p for 0870-0873, which is 7p and 13p including VAT. Organisations must state the service charge wherever they advertise the number. Ofcom's October 2024 statement still allows revenue sharing with the called organisation on 084/087 but bans sharing it with callers.

Who is calling you from a UK 084 / 087 number?

A company, often a utility, retailer, insurer, booking line or call centre, that shows its 084/087 number as caller ID or asks you to call it. Receiving a call from one costs you nothing. Calling back is what costs money. If you're calling about a contract you already have with a trader, regulation 41 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 says the trader can't charge you more than the basic rate for that helpline, and many organisations have moved to the matching 034 or 037 number for that reason.

Scams seen with UK 084 / 087 numbers

  • Ofcom has raised the 'missed call' risk of 084/087 caller IDs in its caller ID consultations, where an unexpected missed call prompts a costly callback. Its caller ID guidance says a displayed number must not connect to a premium rate (09) service or to a revenue-sharing number that produces an excessive or unexpected charge.

What to do about a call from UK 084 / 087

  1. Before calling back, look for the service charge, which the organisation has to state wherever it gives the number, and check your provider's access charge.
  2. Look for a matching 034/037 number (same digits, 4 or 7 instead of 8) or a geographic number. These cost the same as an 01/02 call and are usually in your bundle.
  3. If you're a customer calling about an existing contract, the trader's helpline can't legally cost you more than the basic rate (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, reg. 41).
  4. Report scam calls to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040). Report unexplained charges to your phone provider first.

Check the exact number

A series tells you what kind of line called. To check the full number you got, use these free tools:

Frequently asked questions

How much does an 0844 or 0845 number cost to call?

Your provider's access charge plus the organisation's service charge, which is between 0p and 7p a minute for 084 numbers. Since 2015 the organisation has to state its service charge.

How much does an 0870 or 0871 number cost?

Your access charge plus a service charge of 0p to 13p a minute for 087 numbers.

Are 0845 and 0870 calls free with my mobile bundle?

Usually not. Bundles normally cover 01, 02, 03 and 07 calls, while 084/087 calls carry an access charge plus a service charge.

Is there a cheaper alternative to an 084/087 number?

Often. Ofcom reserves 034 and 037 so an organisation can switch to the same digits with 3 in place of 8 (0845 to 0345, 0870 to 0370), and those cost the same as a normal landline call.

Sources

Numbering facts on this page come from the regulator or operator sources below, checked November 9, 2026. We never publish individual personal phone numbers.

  • Ofcom - UK Calling (service number charges since 1 July 2015) (ofcom.org.uk)
  • Ofcom - The National Telephone Numbering Plan (version with effect from 22 April 2025) (ofcom.org.uk)
  • Ofcom - Call costs guide (084: 0p-7p/min; 087: 0p-13p/min service charge) (ofcom.org.uk)
  • Ofcom - Statement: Future of telephone numbers (11 October 2024) (ofcom.org.uk)
  • Ofcom - Guidance on CLI facilities (presentation numbers) (ofcom.org.uk)
  • legislation.gov.uk - Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, regulation 41 (legislation.gov.uk)
  • GOV.UK - Report Fraud: new service from City of London Police (replaces Action Fraud from 4 December 2025) (gov.uk)

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