A collect call lets the person you're calling pay for it instead of you
A collect call is a phone call where the person receiving it agrees to pay the charges instead of the caller. When you dial a collect call, the phone system connects you to the recipient and asks them to accept the cost before the call goes through. If they decline, the call does not connect and you are not charged.
Collect calls are less common now because most people have unlimited calling plans or mobile phones with included minutes. But they still exist and work the same way they did decades ago — useful when you need to reach someone urgently and have no other way to pay, or when calling from a phone that isn't yours.
Key Takeaways
- On a landline, dial 0 plus the area code and number, then tell the operator you want to make a collect call.
- Most mobile phones cannot make collect calls because carriers do not support the feature, even if you have service.
- The person receiving the call hears an automated message asking them to accept the charges before the call connects.
- Collect calls cost more than regular calls because the phone company charges a connection fee on top of the per-minute rate.
How to make a collect call from a landline
Pick up the landline handset and dial 0 (zero). Wait for an operator to answer — this may take a few seconds. Tell the operator you want to make a collect call and give them the area code and phone number of the person you are calling.
The operator will dial the number and, when someone answers, inform them that they have a collect call from you. The recipient will hear an automated message or the operator will ask them directly: "Do you accept the charges?" If they say yes, the call connects. If they say no, the call ends and you are not charged.
Some landlines, especially in offices or institutions, may route you to a different system. If you reach a menu instead of an operator, listen for an option to make a collect call or press the number indicated.
Why most mobile phones cannot make collect calls
Mobile carriers in the United States stopped supporting collect calls years ago. Even if you have an active phone plan with service, your phone will not have the ability to initiate a collect call through the standard 0 dialing method. The infrastructure that handled collect calls — the operator system — is no longer maintained for mobile networks.
If you need to reach someone from a mobile phone and cannot pay for the call, your options are limited. You could use a free messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger if both of you have internet access, send a text message, or ask to borrow someone else's phone to make a regular call.
What collect calls cost
Collect calls are more expensive than regular calls. The phone company charges a connection fee (typically a few dollars) plus a per-minute rate that is higher than standard long-distance rates. The exact cost depends on the carrier and the length of the call, and the recipient's phone bill will show the charge.
Because of this cost, many people who receive collect calls are surprised by the charges. If you are calling someone you do not know well or have not spoken to in years, warn them before the operator connects you that this will be a paid call.
Collect calls from prisons and jails
Prisons and jails use collect calling systems extensively because inmates cannot make outgoing calls on their own. These calls go through third-party companies that handle the billing and charge significantly more than standard collect calls — sometimes several dollars per minute plus connection fees.
The recipient's phone number is added to a list, and they receive calls from that facility. Some facilities allow inmates to call only certain numbers or only during certain hours. If you receive frequent collect calls from a correctional facility, you can contact the facility's phone service provider to set limits or block calls.
Alternatives to collect calls
If you need to reach someone and cannot make a collect call, consider these options: send a text message or email if you have internet access, use a free calling app like Google Voice or Skype if both people have internet, ask to use someone else's phone, or wait until you can access a phone with a plan that covers the call.
For emergencies, call 911 directly — emergency calls are always free and do not require payment or a collect call arrangement. If you are in a situation where you cannot reach anyone and have no phone access, look for a public phone (increasingly rare) or ask a business or passerby if you can use their phone briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a collect call from my cell phone?
No. Major U.S. mobile carriers do not support collect calls on any phone plan. If you need to make a call from a mobile phone without paying, use a free app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Google Voice if you have internet access.
What happens if the person I'm calling refuses to accept the charges?
The call does not connect and you are not charged anything. The operator or automated system will tell you the call was declined, and you can hang up. The recipient will not be charged either.
Are collect calls still available from payphones?
Payphones are extremely rare in most areas now. If you find one, you can dial 0 to reach an operator and request a collect call the same way you would from a landline. However, most payphones have been removed or no longer function.
How much does a collect call cost?
Costs vary by carrier and call length, but expect a connection fee of a few dollars plus per-minute charges higher than regular long-distance rates. The recipient's bill will show the total charge. Ask your phone company for specific rates if you plan to make collect calls regularly.
Can I make a collect call internationally?
Yes, but international collect calls are very expensive — often $10 to $20 or more per minute depending on the country. Dial 0 and tell the operator you want an international collect call. They will connect you to the recipient and ask them to accept the charges.