Tips for Using Prepaid Calling Cards
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 $20 prepaid calling card with a super
cheap per minute rate, but it includes a $1.50 connection fee for each call. Then you use the calling
card until you have $1's worth of calling time left on the card. So now where does that leave
you? You have $1 left on your calling card, but the connection fee alone is $1.50! 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 $1 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 calling card 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.
Written by:
Laura Rucker
Editor, U Save Telecom Discount Long Distance Service
© 2003 U Save Telecom Discount Long Distance
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