The number one tip for using prepaid calling cards is to compare the different cards before you buy. With so many prepaid calling cards to choose from, there can be some major differences between the fees they charge. So in order to get the most bang from your buck, we can’t stress enough to compare, compare, compare!
The second rule to remember when using a prepaid calling card is to always read the fine print. Otherwise what looks like a great deal, can quickly turn out to be a costly purchase. So read the fine print.
Long distance carriers are raking in huge profits when it comes to selling prepaid calling cards. For example, say you bought a prepaid calling card with a super cheap per minute rate, but it includes a .50 connection fee for each call. Then you use it until you have ‘s worth of calling time left on the card. So now where does that leave you? You have left on your calling card, but the connection fee alone is .50! Now you have a useless phone card and you are left with no other option but to throw the card away. Meanwhile, the calling card company just made profit for free. This is how long distance carriers reap such huge profits from the customer. So again, read the calling card’s details!
Another tip is to know the rate per minute. This rates is usually described in the number of cents per minute. Many prepaid calling cards will have rates that are super cheap, but have a very expensive connection fee. So if you make quick calls, you are better off getting a prepaid phone card that has a higher per minute rate, but no connection fee. There is no sense finding the cheapest calling card rate if all your minutes are used up paying for the connection fees when you make short phone calls.
By knowing the billing increments, which is how you are billed for the phone calls, you can also save a ton of money. For example, if you buy a calling card that bills in two-minute increments, and you make a call that lasts for 1 minute and 10 seconds, you will be billed as a two-minute call. So you can see how quickly the number of minutes on your calling card can be used up.
Make sure you know the expiration date for the calling card before you purchase it. Most prepaid calling cards expire and the time span can range from 3-6 months depending on the date you bought it or when you first used it. So be sure to use all of the minutes on your prepaid calling card before it expires. Otherwise, the only thing do do with the card is to throw it away.
Some prepaid calling cards have a connection fee associated with them. This fee is only charged to the calling card for every call is actually connects. So by hanging up before you get an answering machine, fax or voice mail, you can avoid this fee. Otherwise, the call has been connected and the fee will be charged towards the dollar amount of the calling card you have purchased. Connection fees can vary quite a bit, but also really chip away at the number of minutes your calling card has.
Maintenance fees are another charge that you need to look for when using a prepaid calling card. Not all calling cards have this fee, but if they do it can be charged daily, weekly or monthly once the card is activated.
Unfortunately, all prepaid calling cards will have a pay phone fee charged to it when a call is made from a pay phone. This fee is mandated by the FCC, but these fees can also vary from one long distance company to another.
Always know what fees and taxes your card has. These alone will use up whatever calling minutes you have left. So be smart and shop wisely for your prepaid calling card needs.
Calling cards can be used in conjunction with cell phones, but you need to know the details of the card to find out if a different rate is charged for cell phone calls. Some calls from a cell phone will use up more minutes on your prepaid calling card.
By knowing if your prepaid calling card is rechargeable, you will be able to easily add more minutes instead of purchasing a whole new calling card.
A final thought when using your prepaid calling card is to know your card will have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) assigned to it. To avoid anyone else using your calling card, please don’t share your PIN with anyone you don’t want using the card. Also, please memorize your PIN because most calling card companies won’t give you a new PIN.
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