What is a 'simply dial' provider?

There's no need for an account with these providers; they can be accessed instantly.

• Simply dial the special access number listed which connects you to the provider's system and you are charged the rate listed for making the call (which is for calls from UK landlines, it may be more from mobiles).
• Once connected, you 'simply dial' the number you want to call at no further charge.

These companies make their money by receiving a proportion of the income from the access calls.

Warning: As the call charge starts the moment you're connected to the access number you're paying immediately, so if the person you're calling is engaged or out, you still pay. Even so the tiny comparative prices of these calls make it worthwhile.

What is an 'account needed' provider?

Here you must first set up an account via the internet. Once that's done access the service by dialling (for free) a short four or five digit prefix or freephone number. Then dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Do note most of these providers charge a connection fee (ie., a fixed amount per call).

18185, 1899, call18866, Cheapcall1689, LocalPhone

What is an 'account needed' provider?

These types of providers require registration. Here are the specific notes for 18185.

Step 1: Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2: Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Step 3: Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

What is an 'account needed' provider?

These types of providers require registration. Here are the specific notes for 18866.

Step 1: Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2: Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Step 3: Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

What is an 'account needed' provider?

These types of providers require registration. Here are the specific notes for 1899.

Step 1: Set up an account via the internet.

Step 2: Access the service by dialling the following number depending on your main provider:

Step 3: Dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Mainstream

Mainstream providers are the big providers who you pay line rental too and automatically route all your calls without dialling a pre-fix. These carriers are rarely the cheapest and are primarily included to demonstrate how much you can save.

VOIP

Voip or voice over internet protocol uses the internet to transmit voice calls. All you need to do it is a headset and broadband connection. It's possible to get free PC to PC calls (see the VOIP Free Calls guide). The CallChecker lists prices for PC to phone calls and while usually not that cheap, special offers can them worth checking out.

Warning: Some VOIP providers offer free calls to certain destinations. These free calls are for a limited time, after which you'll be charged the normal rate.

Sim cards

Specialist sim cards that you can use in an unlocked phone (see Mobile Unlocking) and give you access to cheaper rates. Simply get a free sim card, top-up and dial your destination number; there's no need to dial a special access number first. UK rates tend to be pricey so only use it for international calling.

Top-up Needed

These are providers that don't require you to set up an account but instead of the cost of each call appearing on your main provider's bill, here you dial a special number to charge your line. For example a premium rate number 09xxx, and either your mobile or landline account will have £5 debited from it. You then use this credit to access cheaper calls.

Who's included in the quick & easy list?

Includes providers that don't require an account to access the cheap rate, ie simply dial a number or providers that have historically always had cheap rates.

Who's included in the full list?

Includes all quick & easy providers as well as providers that require an account or are more fiddly to use.

Calling from a mobile? Don't use simply dial providers

If you're calling from a mobile, quick & easy providers aren't included as the cost of calling easy access 08 numbers varies between mobile operators.

The UK CallChecker only finds prices from landlines

There are so many tariffs from each provider it would be impossible to list accurate prices if you're dialling from a mobile so we only include landline providers.

We've assumed you're on the most basic tariff for each provider.