Virtual Phone Number Fees: What You Really Pay and How to Avoid Overcharging

When you get a virtual phone number, a phone number that isn’t tied to a physical line but works over the internet through VoIP services. Also known as cloud phone number, it lets you call and receive calls from anywhere—no landline needed. But the monthly price you see? That’s often just the start. Hidden fees, per-minute charges, and porting costs can double your bill if you don’t know what to look for.

Most providers charge for the virtual phone number itself, but then add fees for SIP trunk fees—the connection that lets your number talk to the internet. Some charge extra just to keep the number active, even if you don’t use it. Others bill you for incoming calls, which sounds crazy but happens. And if you want to move your number from one provider to another? That’s a porting fee, and it’s not always free. You might pay $5, $15, or even $50 just to keep your old number.

Then there’s the cloud phone service charges. Some providers advertise unlimited calling, but only if you stay within their app or use their hardware. If you use a third-party softphone or make international calls, watch out—those rates can spike. One user switched providers thinking they’d save money, only to find out their $12/month plan charged $0.15 per minute to call Canada. That’s $150 for 1,000 minutes. And if you’re using your virtual number for business, you might need call recording, auto-attendants, or CRM integrations. Those aren’t free either.

Compare this to landlines, where you pay one flat fee and that’s it. With virtual numbers, you’re paying for layers: the number, the connection, the features, the support. And most providers don’t list all of it upfront. They show you the base price, then bury the rest in small print or make you click through three menus to see the real cost.

Here’s what actually works: look for providers that bundle everything into one flat rate. Ask if incoming calls are free. Confirm porting is included. Check if international calling is capped or unlimited. And never sign up without asking for a full breakdown of all possible charges—monthly, per-minute, setup, and cancellation. The best deals don’t just have low prices—they’re transparent.

What you’ll find below are real stories and breakdowns from people who’ve been burned by hidden fees. We’ve dug into the fine print of 20+ providers. You’ll see exactly what each one charges, which ones hide costs, and which ones actually deliver on their promises. No fluff. Just what you need to pick a virtual number that doesn’t cost you more than it saves.