Key Takeaways
- A 1300 number typically costs between $5 and $30 per month, depending on the provider and included features.
- Callers pay a local or low-cost rate, while the business pays the remainder — so your per-minute call charges matter as much as the monthly fee.
- Setup fees range from free to over $100, and "vanity" numbers with memorable patterns can carry a one-off premium.
- The cheapest plan rarely offers the best value — routing features, call management tools, and support quality should factor into your decision.
If you're considering a 1300 number for your business, the first question is usually straightforward: how much will it cost? The answer, unfortunately, is less straightforward — because it depends on the provider, the plan, the number you choose, and how many calls you receive.
This guide breaks down every cost component so you can compare providers properly and avoid surprises on your first bill.
What Is a 1300 Number?
A 1300 number is a national business number that allows customers anywhere in Australia to reach you at a shared-cost rate. The caller pays a low fixed charge (typically the cost of a local call from a landline, or included in mobile plan allowances), while the business pays the remainder of the call cost.
For customers, it signals that your business is professional and nationally accessible. For you, it means a single memorable number that can route calls to any landline, mobile, or VoIP system — regardless of where your team is located.
The Cost Components of a 1300 Number
1. Monthly Service Fee
This is the recurring charge for having the number active. In 2026, monthly fees from Australian providers typically fall into three bands:
| Provider Tier | Monthly Fee | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5–$10/month | Basic routing, limited features |
| Mid-range | $10–$20/month | Call routing, basic IVR, reporting |
| Full-featured | $20–$30/month | Advanced routing, IVR, call recording, analytics |
Some providers bundle a set number of included call minutes into the monthly fee, while others charge the monthly fee separately and bill all calls on top.
2. Setup and Activation Fees
Many providers charge a one-off fee to activate your 1300 number. This can range from nothing (promotional offers or providers who waive it) through to $50–$100+. If you're porting an existing 1300 number from another provider, the porting process is usually free or carries a small admin fee.
3. Number Selection Fee
Standard 1300 numbers — randomly assigned sequences — are usually free or included in the setup cost. However, if you want a "smart number" or "vanity number" with a memorable pattern (like 1300 TRADIE or 1300 222 333), expect to pay a premium. These can range from a modest one-off charge for semi-memorable patterns to several hundred dollars for highly sought-after sequences.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages the allocation of 1300 numbers, and some patterns are auctioned through authorised number managers.
4. Per-Minute Call Charges
This is often the most significant ongoing cost, especially for businesses that receive a high volume of calls. When someone calls your 1300 number, the call is routed to your answering point (landline, mobile, or VoIP), and you're charged a per-minute rate for that connection.
Typical rates in 2026:
- Calls answered on a landline: 5–15 cents per minute
- Calls answered on a mobile: 15–35 cents per minute
- Calls answered via VoIP/SIP: 3–10 cents per minute
Routing calls to a mobile is significantly more expensive. If your team takes most calls on mobiles, this cost adds up quickly. Routing to a VoIP phone system is almost always the cheapest option.
5. Add-On Features
Most providers offer optional features that carry additional charges:
- IVR (auto-attendant): A recorded menu that routes callers to the right department — often $5–$15/month extra, or included on higher-tier plans.
- Call recording: Useful for training and compliance — typically $5–$10/month.
- Time-of-day routing: Automatically routes calls to different numbers based on business hours — sometimes included, sometimes an add-on.
- Detailed call analytics: Real-time dashboards and reporting — often bundled with premium plans.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing 1300 number providers, look beyond the headline monthly fee:
- Minimum contract terms: Some providers lock you into 12–24 month contracts with early termination fees. Others offer month-to-month flexibility.
- Flagfall charges: A small per-call connection fee (e.g., 15–25 cents) charged on top of per-minute rates. Not all providers charge this, but it adds up on high-volume lines.
- Porting-out fees: If you want to move your 1300 number to a different provider, some charge an exit or porting fee.
- Minimum monthly spend: Some plans require you to spend a minimum amount each month on calls, regardless of actual usage.
- Number cancellation fees: If you cancel your 1300 number before the contract ends, you may lose the number entirely — and it may be reallocated.
How to Reduce Your 1300 Number Costs
A few practical steps can significantly reduce what you spend:
Route calls to VoIP instead of mobiles. The per-minute rate difference between mobile and VoIP answering can cut your call costs by 50–70%. If your team uses a cloud phone system, your 1300 calls can terminate directly on their VoIP handsets or softphones at the lowest possible rate.
Choose a plan with included minutes. If you receive a predictable volume of calls, a plan that bundles minutes is almost always cheaper than paying per-minute with no cap.
Use time-of-day routing. Instead of paying for an after-hours answering service, route calls to voicemail or a specific team member's line outside business hours to avoid unnecessary call charges.
Negotiate or compare. The 1300 number market in Australia is competitive. If your current provider hasn't reviewed your rates recently, it's worth asking — or comparing alternatives.
What Does a Typical Small Business Spend?
For a small business receiving 50–100 calls per month on a 1300 number, a realistic monthly cost breakdown looks like this:
| Cost Component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Monthly service fee | $10–$20 |
| Call charges (80 calls × 3 min avg × 10c/min) | $24 |
| Add-on features (e.g., IVR) | $5–$10 |
| Total monthly cost | $39–$54 |
That's roughly $1–$2 per business day for a professional national presence. For most businesses, it's one of the more cost-effective investments you can make in how customers perceive and reach you.
The Bottom Line
A 1300 number doesn't need to be expensive. The monthly service fee is usually modest — it's the per-minute call charges and hidden fees that catch businesses off guard. Focus on how calls are routed (VoIP is cheapest), what's included in the plan (not just the headline price), and whether you're locked into a contract you don't need.
Looking for a 1300 number without the complexity? Explore Ozetel's 1300 number plans — transparent pricing, no lock-in contracts, and Australian-based support. Or get in touch to talk through the best setup for your business.
