Prison Information

How to Reduce the Cost of Prison Phone Calls in the UK

Staying in contact with a loved one in prison is important, but many families quickly discover that prison phone calls can become expensive. When calls happen frequently, the cost can add up significantly over time.

The good news is that there are several ways to reduce the cost of prison phone calls while still staying connected. In this guide, we explain why prison calls can be expensive and the practical steps families can take to lower the cost.

If you are new to the system, you may also want to read our guide explaining how prison phone calls work.

Why Prison Phone Calls Can Be Expensive

Prison phone systems are not the same as normal phone services. Calls must be monitored, recorded, and restricted to approved numbers for security reasons.

Because of this, prisons use specialised phone providers and controlled systems. These systems often charge higher rates than standard consumer phone services.

The biggest factor affecting call cost is usually the type of number being called.

  • Calls to landline numbers are usually cheaper
  • Calls to mobile numbers can be significantly more expensive
  • Call time limits mean prisoners may need to make multiple calls
  • Prison phone credit can run out quickly

You can learn more about call pricing in our detailed guide: How much do prison phone calls cost.

1. Use a Landline Instead of a Mobile Number

One of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of prison phone calls is to have the prisoner call a landline number instead of a mobile.

In many prisons, calls to landlines are significantly cheaper than calls to mobile phones. This is because the prison phone system treats landline calls differently from mobile calls.

However, many families no longer have a landline at home, which can make this option difficult.

2. Limit the Length of Calls

Because prison calls are charged by the minute, shorter calls can help reduce the overall cost.

Families sometimes agree on regular call times or plan conversations in advance to make calls more efficient.

While this can help manage costs, it is not always ideal for maintaining natural conversations and emotional support.

3. Avoid Calling Mobile Numbers Directly

If possible, avoiding direct mobile calls can make a significant difference to the overall cost.

Many people rely entirely on mobile phones today, but prison phone systems often charge higher rates for these calls.

This is why many families look for alternative solutions that allow prisoners to call a landline instead.

4. Use a Prison Phone Call Forwarding Service

A prison phone forwarding service allows a prisoner to call a UK landline number, which then automatically forwards the call to your mobile phone.

This means the prison system treats the call as a landline call, which is usually cheaper, while you can still answer on your mobile.

Benefits of using call forwarding include:

  • Lower call costs compared to mobile numbers
  • No need to install a physical landline
  • Calls are received directly on your mobile phone
  • Easy setup once the number is approved by the prison

Why Many Families Look for Cheaper Prison Calls

Prison phone calls can quickly become expensive, particularly when prisoners are calling mobile phones. Because calls are usually charged per minute, regular calls can add up over time.

Many families therefore look for ways to reduce prison call costs while still staying in regular contact.

You can learn more about prison call pricing in our guide explaining how much prison calls cost.

The Most Common Ways to Reduce Prison Call Costs

  • Using a landline number instead of a mobile phone
  • Planning longer but fewer calls
  • Using a prison call forwarding service

How Prison Call Forwarding Works

The process is straightforward:

  • You receive a UK landline number
  • The prisoner adds this number to their approved call list
  • When they call the landline number, the call is automatically forwarded to your mobile

This allows families to reduce prison phone call costs while still receiving calls conveniently.

Prison Phone Call Forwarding Packages

If you are looking for an easy way to reduce the cost of prison phone calls, our call forwarding packages provide a simple solution.

The service allows prisoners to call a UK landline number which redirects directly to your mobile phone.

View prison call forwarding packages

Keeping in Touch With Someone in Prison

Maintaining regular communication with someone in prison can play an important role in emotional support and rehabilitation.

While prison phone systems can be expensive, using the right approach can help families stay connected without unnecessary costs.

Understanding how prison calls work and using cost-saving options like landline forwarding can make staying in touch much easier.

What is the cheapest way to call from Prison?

It is by far cheaper to call landline numbers - however landlines are becoming less common in homes & it is by far more convenient to call your loved ones mobile incase you are calling when they aren't at home. Our call packages gives you the best of both worlds - landline call pricing, but the prisoner can call you on your mobile!

Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison?

Most definitely - YES! Mobiles can cost over 25p per minute, the precious phone credit runs out very fast! Our unlimited prison calls package saves money whilst adding the convenience of being able to pickup calls on your mobile.
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