Premium rate calls and texts
There are certain numbers you can call or text from your phone for which higher rates apply - for example, entering competitions or voting on TV shows. These are known as premium rate services.
Costs vary by dialling code and service provider so it's best to check the terms and conditions before calling or texting a particular number.
Other premium rate services will be automatically delivered to your phone by text at regular intervals, once you've used them for the first time - for example, when ordering ringtones and wallpapers or setting up alerts. You'll pay for these services each time they're sent to your mobile until you stop the service. To stop a premium rate service like this, just reply to the texts you receive from the service with the word STOP.
For more information go to the PSA website, the UK regulator for content, goods and services charged to a phone bill. Please note that from 1st February 2025, Ofcom will be taking over as the regulatory and enforcer of PRS regulation from the PSA. For more information go to the Ofcom website.
How to apply a premium rate bar
To prevent you, or someone else, from running up unexpectedly large bills on premium rate numbers, you can also apply a bar to all premium rate call and text services.
Log in to My Account using the mobile number you want to apply the bar to.
- Click Manage account
- Click Credit Agreement & tarriff info
- Click on the Update next to Parental controls and favourite numbers
- Go to My settings
- Click Add on Premium Bar for calls and/or Bar Premium SMS MT for texts
- Click Confirm