Pre-Paid Phone Cards: Everything You Need to Know
What Is a Pre-paid Phone
Card?
Pre-paid phone cards are cards you buy for a pre-determined price for making long
distance calls. These cards are usually available in even dollar amounts and even number of minutes.
Why Use a Pre-paid Phone Card?
Pre-paid phone cards are convenient because they can be used anywhere and because you pay
in advance, there isn't a bill. The type of people who use pre-paid phone cards the most are travelers, people who regularly call overseas, students and people who haven't chosen a long distance
provider. Calling cards are also very convenient to buy. They are sold at newsstands, post offices, stores and online.
International Calling Card Rates?
International calling card rates vary quite a bit depending on which country you call or how you
make the call. Usually pre-paid phone cards offer lower rates than a phone company’s basic international rates.
How Do I Make Calls with a Pre-paid Phone Card?
To make a phone call, dial the access number and the PIN number printed on the back of the card.
An automated voice will ask you to enter the number you want to call, and inform you of the number of minutes you have left on your card. You might also be prompted for other options.
You can increase the number of minutes on most calling cards by charging your credit card. Cards that
don't let you add minutes means you have to buy a new card after all the time has been used. Keep track of the date your card expires so you don't lose unused minutes.
Who Makes Your Phone Card?
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Carriers are responsible for the telephone lines that carry calls.
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Resellers buy telephone minutes from the carriers.
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Issuers determine the card rates and provide toll-free customer service and access numbers.
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Distributors sell the cards to the retailers.
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Retailers sell the cards to consumers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Pre-paid Phone Cards?
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Access numbers and/or PINs that don’t work or are always busy;
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Calling card providers that go out of business, leaving people with useless cards;
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Rates that are higher than advertised, or have hidden charges;
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Cards that charge you even when your call doesn't connect;
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Poor quality connections; and
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Hidden expiration dates.
How Can I Avoid Pre-paid Phone Card Problems?
Be sure to read the conditions for your calling card. Read the fine print! Verify
the rates, check the expiration date, look for a toll-free customer service number, and understand the dialing instructions.
What if My Pre-paid Phone Card Doesn't Work?
Call the customer service number. If you can't get through, contact your local Consumer Affairs
Department or state Attorney General. You can also file a complaint or
research the company through your local Better Business Bureau, or contact the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To contact the FTC, call 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357).
This information is provided by the Federal Communications Commission.
Related Products:
International Prepaid Phone Cards
International Prepaid and Post Paid Phone Cards
International Prepaid Internet Access
Prepaid Long Distance - Better than Prepaid Phone Cards.
Related Articles:
Calling Card Scams
Tips for Using Prepaid Phone Cards
