One of the most common questions businesses ask when considering a national phone number is: how much does a 1300 number cost?
The good news is that 1300 numbers are generally affordable and scalable, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes.
In this guide we explain the typical costs of a 1300 number in Australia, including setup costs, monthly fees, and inbound call charges.
What Is a 1300 Number?
A 1300 number is a national inbound phone number that allows customers anywhere in Australia to contact your business through a single number.
Unlike traditional phone lines, 1300 numbers are virtual numbers, meaning calls are routed through a telecommunications network and forwarded to one or more destinations.
These destinations may include:
- mobile phones
- office desk phones
- remote staff
- call centres
- cloud phone systems
Learn more about how these numbers work:
/blog/what-is-a-virtual-phone-number
Cost of Buying a 1300 Number
The cost of purchasing a 1300 number depends largely on how memorable the number is.
Standard Numbers
Most providers offer random 1300 numbers either free or at very low cost.
Example:
1300 742 553
These numbers are commonly used by small and medium businesses.
Smart Numbers or Phone Words
Some numbers follow memorable patterns or spell words.
Examples:
1300 111 222
1300 CLEANER
1300 LAWYERS
These numbers are called SmartNumbers or Phone Words and may cost anywhere from:
$250 – $4,500+
depending on demand and memorability.
Monthly Access Fees
Most providers charge a monthly access fee to maintain the 1300 number service.
Typical monthly costs range between:
$10 – $35 per month
depending on the features included in the plan.
Higher plans may include:
- advanced call routing
- IVR phone menus
- call reporting
- call recording
- CRM integrations
Inbound Call Charges
Businesses pay for the calls they receive on their 1300 number.
The cost of inbound calls usually depends on:
- whether the caller used a mobile or landline
- where the call is forwarded
- the selected call plan
Many providers offer plans where the per-minute call rate decreases as call volume increases.
This allows businesses to scale their phone system as call traffic grows.
Example Monthly Cost Scenario
A small business receiving moderate call volumes might pay:
Monthly access fee: $15
Inbound call charges: $20–$60
Estimated monthly cost:
$35 – $75 per month
Actual costs will vary depending on call volume and routing configuration.
Why Businesses Invest in 1300 Numbers
Businesses often choose 1300 numbers because they offer several advantages compared with traditional phone numbers.
Professional Image
A 1300 number creates a national contact point that looks more established than a personal mobile number.
National Reach
Customers anywhere in Australia can call the same number.
This makes advertising simpler and more consistent.
Flexible Call Routing
Calls can be routed to:
- multiple staff members
- different offices
- remote teams
- call centres
Learn more about routing:
/blog/how-inbound-call-routing-works
Scalability
As businesses grow, additional staff or locations can easily be added to routing rules without changing the number customers call.
Is a 1300 Number Worth It?
For many businesses, the benefits of a 1300 number far outweigh the relatively small monthly cost.
They help businesses:
- appear more professional
- manage inbound calls more efficiently
- provide better customer service
- support remote teams
For companies receiving regular customer calls, a 1300 number can quickly become an essential communication tool.
Search Available 1300 Numbers
If you’re considering a national contact number for your business, you can explore available options here: