902 numbers in Spain: free alternatives and how to avoid extra charges
902 numbers are one of the biggest pain points for consumers in Spain. They carry an extra charge that is not included in your flat-rate bundle and can exceed €1 per minute. This guide explains how they work, what the law says, and how to find free alternatives. NoCall also flags special-rate numbers among the more than 178 numbers in its database.
What are 902 numbers?
Numbers starting with 902 are shared-cost special-rate lines. The call cost is split between the company receiving the call and the caller. However, the caller's share is much higher than on a normal national call.
Calling a 902 can cost roughly €0.35–€1 per minute, depending on your carrier and whether you call from a landline or mobile. Critically, these calls are not included in operator flat plans and are billed separately.
Why do companies use 902 lines?
Historically, companies used 902 numbers for several reasons:
- Lower cost for the company: Sharing the rate with the caller reduces what the company pays to receive calls.
- Single national number: One nationwide number without a geographic prefix.
- Call filtering: The surcharge discourages unnecessary calls and eases call-centre load.
- Extra revenue: In some cases the company receives part of what the caller pays.
Legal changes: your right to a free alternative
Spanish law has evolved to protect consumers from abuse of special-rate numbering:
General Law for the Defence of Consumers
Companies that provide customer service must offer a consumer helpline that does not cost more than a normal call. This applies especially to after-sales service and complaints.
Customer service law
It reinforces the duty to serve customers without extra charges. Essential-service companies (telecoms, energy, transport, banking) must offer free or standard-rate lines for customer care and complaints.
CNMC regulation
Spain's markets and competition regulator supervises numbering and can fine companies that fail to offer free alternatives where required.
How to find a free alternative to a 902
1. Look for an equivalent 900 number
900 numbers are free for the caller. Many companies have a 900 line that is less prominently advertised. Check the "Contact" section of their website, your contract, or your bills.
2. Find the geographic landline
Numbers starting with 91, 93, 94, 96, and so on are standard geographic lines that are usually included in your flat bundle. Many companies have them even if they are not highlighted on the homepage.
3. Search on NoCall
Look up the 902 in our database. Users often post the company's free alternative in comments. With more than 1 cumulative reports, you have a good chance of finding what you need.
4. Use other channels
Many brands offer web chat, email, social media, or WhatsApp. These channels are free and are often faster than the phone queue.
Quick guide to special-rate prefixes
| Prefix | Type | Cost to the caller |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | Toll-free | Free |
| 901 | Shared cost (lower) | Low (similar to local) |
| 902 | Shared cost (higher) | €0.35–€1 / min |
| 905 | Tele-voting and contests | Variable; fixed per call |
| 803 / 806 / 807 | Premium services | Very high (up to €4 / min) |
| 91X, 93X, etc. | Geographic | Included in flat plan |
Typical 902 numbers that have an alternative
Many large Spanish companies publish a free or geographic alternative alongside their 902. Exact numbers change, but these patterns are common:
- Telecom providers: Often have a free 900 or a geographic 91X / 93X line for existing customers.
- Electricity and gas suppliers: The law requires a free line for complaints and customer care.
- Banks and insurers: Usually offer geographic numbers included in flat bundles.
- Public administration: Should not use special-rate numbers. If you find one, look for the official alternative on its website.
To find the specific alternative for a given 902, search it on NoCall or on the company's official site.
How NoCall flags special-rate numbers
NoCall integrates data from the CNMC (Spain's markets and competition regulator) to automatically identify special-rate numbers. When you look up a number, we show whether it is premium or shared-cost, together with carrier information and community reports.
Spot special-rate numbers with NoCall
Look up any number to see if it is special-rate and avoid surprise charges.
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Were you called from a 902 or another special-rate line? Search it to see whether others posted a free alternative: