How Much Do Prison Phone Calls Cost in the UK?

When someone ends up behind bars, one of the most important lifelines they cling to is contact with loved ones. For many prisoners, phone calls are the only real connection to the outside world. But how much do these calls actually cost? And who pays for them?

How Do Prison Phone Calls Work?

Phone systems in UK prisons don’t work quite the same as in the outside world. Prisoners can't receive incoming calls — instead, they make outbound calls from landline-style phones installed in designated areas of the prison, or sometimes in their cells, depending on the prison's setup.

Each prisoner has a personal phone PIN and an approved list of numbers they’re allowed to call. These are vetted for security reasons. Calls are usually time-limited, and conversations may be recorded or monitored by staff.

So, What Do Calls Actually Cost?

It depends on the type of call, the prison’s phone provider, and whether it’s a daytime or evening rate. Most prisons in England and Wales use PIN phone systems managed by third-party companies, like BT or Global Tel Link, under government contracts.

Here’s a rough guide to typical call charges in prison (subject to change):

• Landline calls: Around 8p to 10p per minute
• Mobile calls: Roughly 18p to 25p per minute
• International calls: These vary greatly but can cost upwards of 50p per minute depending on the country

Evening and weekend calls may be slightly cheaper, and some prisons offer discounted rates during holidays or for specific call types (e.g. to support family ties).

Who Pays for the Calls?

Inmates pay for calls using funds from their prison account — money they’ve earned through prison work, or that’s been sent in by family or friends. There’s usually a weekly or monthly cap on call spending to keep costs under control.

In some cases, if the prisoner is on remand or has no personal funds, they may be allowed a limited number of free calls – especially for legal advice or emergency contact. However, these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Can Families Be Charged Instead?

Not directly. Since prisoners must initiate the call and pay for it from their own balance, families are not charged in the same way as a traditional phone call. That said, families often end up topping up prisoner accounts to help them stay in touch, so the cost still lands close to home.

It’s worth noting that prisoners are encouraged to maintain family contact – even more so if they have children. Some charities also offer phone credit support for those struggling financially.

Are There Alternatives to Standard Calls?

Yes. Some prisons allow monitored video calls through services like Purple Visits, especially in light of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. While not a direct replacement, they do offer face-to-face communication for those unable to travel for in-person visits.

Email services are also available in certain prisons, such as through Email a Prisoner, which lets people send short messages to inmates for a small fee (around 40p per email). Replies may be sent back by post or printed inside the prison.

Are Prison Calls Cheaper Than They Used to Be?

In recent years, there’s been pressure on the prison system to lower call costs. Campaigners and charities argued that high call charges unfairly punished families and increased social isolation. In response, some call rates were brought down to align more closely with public telecom rates.

While not exactly “cheap,” most calls are now more affordable than they once were — especially for landlines. However, international rates and mobile calls can still mount up quickly, especially for those making regular contact.

Final Thoughts

For prisoners, phone calls aren’t just about checking in — they’re a vital link to stability, support, and normality. A short chat with a loved one can change the shape of someone’s day inside. And while there’s a cost attached, it’s often worth every penny.

Want to know more about communication options in UK prisons or how visiting works? Explore our other guides on PrisonGuide.co.uk.