- Cost to call
- Service charge up to £3.60/min + access charge
- Regulator
- Phone-paid Services Authority
- Risk level
- High - common in scams
- Can you bar them?
- Yes - ask your provider
What are 09 premium rate numbers?
09 numbers are premium-rate numbers. They are the most expensive UK numbers to call and are regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority. Calls cost a service charge (set by the provider) plus your network's access charge.
Who uses 09 numbers?
Premium-rate numbers are used for competitions, TV voting, technical helplines, adult services and donations. The service charge must always be advertised next to the number.
How much do 09 numbers cost to call?
The service charge can be anything up to £3.60 per minute or per call, plus your provider's access charge. A single call can easily cost several pounds, so always check the published price first.
Scam & cost warnings
Premium-rate numbers are a common vehicle for scams. Be extremely wary of any unexpected message, missed call or email urging you to ring back a 09 number, or of 'too good to be true' competitions. Genuine organisations rarely ask you to call a premium number.
How to check a 09 number
Not sure about a number you’ve been given or called by? Paste it into the
UK phone number checker — it identifies the
type, the area (for geographic numbers) and the provider Ofcom allocated the range
to, using official data refreshed every Wednesday. For example, try 0909 879 0000 in the checker above.
Had an unexpected call from an 09 number and want to know whether it’s safe to ring back? See our plain-English guide: Who called me from an 09 number?