Looking to add a little character to your mobile number? You may not know it, but you can actually request specific phone numbers, if you're with an eligible mobile provider.
If you're hoping to make your number easy to remember, you can switch to a 'premium' mobile number where available - but it isn't free. Read on for all there is to know about premium and 'gold' mobile numbers, including prices, the types of numbers available, and how to claim yours.
What's a premium number (and why would I want one)?
Simply put, a premium number is a mobile number that includes memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers: for example, 0400 123456, 0422 222 222, or 0413 13 13 13. The most rare or desirable of these numbers are known as 'golden' or 'gold' numbers, with more common variations categorised as 'silver' or 'bronze'.
As the first four digits of Australian numbers are allocated to carriers (for example, 0400 and 0488 are Telstra numbers, 0401 and 0411 are Optus, and 0404 and 0424 belong to Vodafone), these usually can't be customised. But if you're willing to pay extra, you can secure premium, easy-to-remember number sequences for the remaining six digits.
If you're running a small business, a premium contact number is a simple way to stand out. A custom number can look professional, enhance radio ads and jingles, and ensure you're the first company called by potential customers. So if you're happy to shell out a little extra to lock down an unforgettable business number, it may be well worth the investment.
Not a business owner? If you're just looking for a customised phone number for personal use, it's similar to owning personalised license plates: fun, but not essential. There's no real practical need for a premium number for private use, but if you're a fan of numerology, or have certain lucky numbers, you can request your preferred combination from a handful of providers.
Telstra
If you're a Telstra customer looking for a specific number, you can expect to pay up to $400 upfront to change your digits. Telstra offers its customers gold, silver, and bronze numbers, with prices depending on the exact combination of numbers you're after.
Once you've decided on the number you want, you'll also need to pay a $33 number change fee, in addition to your upfront premium number costs. Telstra will also allow customers to reserve available numbers for up to six months without activating them on a Telstra plan, but this attracts a monthly fee of $5.50.
Telstra is no longer advertising bronze numbers on their site, but they are still available - you just have to ask.
Telstra Premium Numbers
| Gold ($400) | Silver ($200) | Bronze ($100) | |
| Repeat of same number | Six of same e.g. 04XX 999 999 |
Five of same e.g. 04XX X99 999 | |
| Numbers in sequence | Six in sequence e.g. 04XX 234 567 |
Five in sequence e.g. 04XX X23 456 | Four in sequence e.g. 04XX XX4 567 |
| Triplet numbers | Two identical triplets e.g. 04XX 340 340 Double triplets e.g. 04XX 555 777 | Identical pairs within triplets e.g. 04XX 004 005 One triplet identical, one in sequence e.g. 04XX 123 555 Mirrored triplets e.g. 04XX 340 043 | One identical triplet e.g. 04XX 555 XXX |
| Number pairs | Three identical pairs e.g. 04XX 13 13 13 | Three non-identical pairs e.g. 04XX 11 44 77 Three pairs in sequence e.g. 04XX 12 13 14 | Two identical pairs e.g. 04XX 13 13 XX |
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Optus
The telco is a little more secretive about pricing, but Optus does allow customers to request and buy premium numbers. Optus refers to these as 'golden numbers', and you can acquire one by contacting Optus Customer Service on 131 344.
Optus doesn't list the exact number configurations available to customers, but will charge a flat administration fee of $132 for any golden number change.
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Vodafone
Vodafone customers also have the option of upgrading to a hard-to-find but easy-to-recall number. The telco divides its premium numbers into silver and gold options: gold numbers are available for $275 upfront, while silver numbers are priced at $55.
In addition to the above cost for the number itself, Vodafone also charges a one-off $19.95 fee to change your mobile number. If you'd like to request a gold or silver number, you can call 1555 from your Vodafone device (or 1300 650 410 from any phone).
Vodafone Premium Numbers
| Gold ($275) | Silver ($55) | |
| Repeat of same number | Five of same e.g. 04XX X99 999 Four of same e.g. 04XX XX9 999 |
Four of same in the middle e.g. 04XX X99 99X |
| Numbers in sequence | Three double-digit numbers in sequence e.g. 04XX 414 243 |
|
| Triplet numbers | Two identical triplets e.g. 04XX 340 340 Double triplets e.g. 04XX 555 777 | Triplet at beginning or end of number e.g. 04XX XXX 666 Last five digits are a triplet and a pair e.g. 04XX X22 555 Centre digits are a triplet and a pair e.g. 04XX 222 66X |
| Number pairs | Three identical pairs e.g. 04XX 13 13 13 Three non-identical pairs e.g. 04XX 11 44 77 | Two pairs at start or end of number e.g. 04XX XX4 488 |
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amaysim
You don't need to be on a big telco plan to score a premium number. amaysim, which offers coverage on the Optus network, also allows customers to change to gold phone numbers where available (and for a comparatively affordable price).
Changing to a gold number on an amaysim plan will incur a $30 one-off charge, plus a 'change of number' fee of $20. If you're interested in switching numbers on amaysim, you can request a gold number by contacting the company's customer service team on 1300 808 300.
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Want to keep your number, but need a new mobile plan? Head to our guide to find out how to keep your number when you switch providers.
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