0800 vs 0900 Numbers: What’s the Difference?

Do you want to register a service number but aren’t sure which type best suits your organization? This article explains the differences between an 0800 number and a 0900 number, helping you make an informed choice. Both information numbers have their own advantages and applications. Read on!
Free or Paid Information Number?
An 0800 number is free for the caller, as you, the number holder, pay the call costs. This creates a customer-friendly image and makes it easier to attract callers. Each month, you receive a clear invoice with the call costs and all incoming calls to the number. These numbers are often used for general information, customer service, or emergency services.
A 0900 number works differently. With this number, the caller pays the call costs, and you set the rate per minute or per call. This makes a 0900 number suitable for situations where you want to cover costs or even generate revenue. Examples include contests, paid customer service, or advisory services. The call rate can range from €1.10 per minute to €1.80 per call.
Which Service Number Suits Your Business?
Now that you know how the rates for 0800 and 0900 numbers work, you can decide which type best aligns with your goals:
- 0800 Number: Perfect if you want to offer free information numbers and attract as many callers as possible. These numbers are often used for advertising campaigns, customer focus, or general information services.
- 0900 Number: Ideal if you want to offer a paid service and set the call rate yourself. Use this number for revenue-generating services such as advice lines or entertainment.
Alternative Service Numbers
If you’re looking for a number with a national image but without being free or paid, there are other options:
- The caller pays the standard rate, often included in a call bundle.
- Suitable for businesses with a professional and customer-friendly image.
- These numbers are also reachable from abroad.
- These numbers are always requested in series of 100 and are ideal for larger organizations.
- Like 085 numbers, 088 numbers are reachable from abroad.
Note: Unlike 085 and 088 numbers, 0800 and 0900 numbers are usually not reachable from abroad.
Quickly Register Your Service Number
Registering a phone number is easy. Use our application form to secure your 0800 number, 0900 number, 085 number, or 088 number in just a few clicks. Note: numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to register your number in time!
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick way to explore how everything works and what to expect.
An 0800 number is free for the caller, while the number holder pays the call costs. With a 0900 number, the caller pays a rate per minute or per call, set by the number holder.
No, these numbers are usually only reachable within the Netherlands. For international accessibility, it’s better to choose an 085 or 088 number.
Use our application form to register your number. Fill in your details, choose the desired number, and we’ll take care of the rest.
With a 0900 number, you set the costs for the caller. This can be a rate per minute, such as €1.10, or a fixed rate per call, such as €1.80.
An 085 number offers a professional image, is customer-friendly, and is reachable from abroad at standard call rates.
The Telecommunications Act states that callers must be clearly informed about the call costs of a 0900 number in advance. Transparency is mandatory for all providers of paid information numbers.