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09 Numbers Explained: What They Are and What They Cost
The short answer: a 09 number is a UK premium-rate telephone number. Calls to it cost more than an ordinary call because the price includes a charge for the service you are using. On this site every number costs £1.00 per minute for the service, plus an access charge set by your own phone network. This guide explains what the 09 range is, how the two charges fit together, who regulates the numbers, how to work out what a call will cost and what you can do to stay in control. Updated 24 October 2026.
In this guide
- What is a 09 number?
- The two charges
- A worked example
- Mobiles, landlines and bundles
- Who regulates 09 numbers?
- What appears on your bill
- Staying in control
- Questions
What is a 09 number?
UK telephone numbers are grouped by their opening digits. 01 and 02 are geographic numbers, 07 is mostly mobile, 03 is for non-geographic numbers charged like ordinary calls, and 08 and 09 are used for services that are billed differently. The 09 range is the one used for premium-rate services: information lines, competitions, entertainment and adult chat.
A premium-rate number lets a service provider charge for the service through your phone bill. That is why you do not need to create an account or enter card details on this site. You ring, you talk and the charge appears on your bill. The convenience has a cost, so it pays to understand it.
The two charges
Since price rules were simplified, the cost of calling a 09 number is shown in two parts.
- The service charge. This is set by the service provider and goes towards providing the service. On this site it is £1.00 per minute for every number.
- The access charge. This is set by your own phone network and covers the cost of connecting the call. It differs between networks and is often higher on mobiles than on landlines.
The price shown beside every number on this site is the service charge, and it always says that your network’s access charge applies as well. If you want the exact access charge, check your provider’s price list, usually under “calls to 09 numbers” or “premium-rate numbers”.
A worked example
Suppose your network’s access charge is 30p a minute. Then a call to one of our numbers costs £1.30 for each minute. These figures are illustrations only, so use your own provider’s rate.
| Call length | Service charge | Access charge (example 30p) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | £5.00 | £1.50 | £6.50 |
| 10 minutes | £10.00 | £3.00 | £13.00 |
| 20 minutes | £20.00 | £6.00 | £26.00 |
Our cost guide has more examples and budgeting tips.
Mobiles, landlines and bundles
Many people assume that free minutes in a monthly bundle cover every number. Premium-rate numbers are normally excluded from allowances, so a call to a 09 number is charged on top of your plan. Mobile networks often add a higher access charge than landline providers, which is why the same call can cost noticeably more from a mobile.
Some providers let you apply a bar or spending limit to premium-rate calls. It is worth looking at your settings, either to make sure you can ring when you want to or to put a cap on in case you ever want one.
Who regulates 09 numbers?
Premium-rate services in the UK are regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA), working with the communications regulator Ofcom. The rules require services to be clear about price before you call, to treat customers fairly and to follow standards on advertising and conduct. That is why this site shows the price beside every number, why the footer states that you must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission, and why calls are recorded to comply with PSA regulations.
If something goes wrong, start with the Customer Careline on 0203 455 2145. You can also raise a complaint with your phone provider or the regulator. Our guide to safety and privacy covers recording, bills and complaints.
What appears on your bill
Premium-rate calls usually appear as a separate line item, often with the service name or the number you called. Service details may appear on the bill. If other people see your bill, keep that in mind; if you share a phone account, you must have the bill payer’s permission before you call. Some providers allow itemised billing to be switched off or sent only to the account holder.
Promotional text messages may be sent after a call. To opt out, send STOP ALL to 07860086062.
Staying in control
- Know your access charge. A two-minute look at your provider’s price list removes the guesswork.
- Set a time limit. Decide the number of minutes before you dial and use a phone timer.
- Do the sum. Multiply the minutes by the service charge plus the access charge.
- Use a landline if you have one. Access charges can be lower than from a mobile.
- Check your bill. Compare it with your own record of calls so nothing surprises you.
- Take a break if needed. If spending ever feels hard to control, stop and talk to someone you trust.
09 number questions
Why is a 09 number more expensive than a normal call?
The price includes a service charge for the service itself, on top of the access charge your network applies for carrying the call.
Is the access charge always the same?
No. Each network sets its own, and it often differs between landlines and mobiles.
Are 09 calls included in my minutes bundle?
Usually not. Premium-rate numbers are normally excluded from bundles and charged separately.
Do I pay when the line is engaged or I hang up quickly?
You pay for the time you are connected. If you hang up, the charge stops from that moment.
Can I stop texts from the service?
Yes. Send STOP ALL to 07860086062.
Who do I contact with a problem?
Call the Customer Careline on 0203 455 2145 first. You can also contact your phone provider.
Ready to call?
When you know your limit, pick a number from the full list of adult chat lines. New to this? Read your first time on an adult chat line. Calls cost £1.00 per minute plus your network’s access charge. 18+ only.