What Are Prepaid Phone Cards?
Prepaid phone cards are used to make long distance telephone calls. Phone cards are prepaid by the purchaser and offer the consumer the option of making domestic or international long distance calls by deducting the payment from the prepaid card as opposed to billing a telephone account. Calls are made by calling a 1-800 number and entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) printed on the back of the phone card. Customers normally purchase phone cards for specific dollar amounts. As calls are made, the usable minutes are automatically deducted from the card balance, which is either recorded on the card itself or on a central computer through which the long distance calls are routed. Some cards are also re-chargeable, allowing the user to add more calling time by dialing a toll-free number or accessing a web site and paying with a credit card. You should find the following information on the card or on its packaging: Each card should have a toll-free customer service number. If the
Prepaid phone cards can refer to two different things. First, one might purchase a cell phone that only accepts prepaid minutes, and does not have a monthly service fee or contract — that would require the purchase of a prepaid phone card to “load up” the minutes onto the phone. Most commonly, however, prepaid phone cards refer to cards that allow the user to make long distance calls without signing up for long distance service with a telephone company. Prepaid phone cards are convenient for travelers, students, or people who frequently make long distance or international calls. They are sold virtually everywhere, and can be purchased online or in most stores, including gas stations and convenience stores. They are sold in various increments, so you can choose the amount of time you need without having to worry about running up a big long distance bill. Do not purchase a prepaid calling card in a larger amount than you need. Most have expiration dates, so they will become invalid afte
Phone cards, or calling cards, are a prepaid method of making a long distance (domestic or international) call. You pay for your long distance service in advance. You do not have to pay for any monthly fees, sign up fees or need to sign a contract. There are no monthly bills, and no detailed statements. Rather, you simply pay for the calling time in advance and reduce the prepaid balance as you make calls.
Prepaid phone cards allow you to pay in advance for telephone calls. Depending on how much the card costs, you receive a specific number of minutes of calling time. As you use the card, the minutes are reduced, until you have used up all the time on the card. Using a prepaid phone card may save you money on long distance and international calls. The key to saving the most money with these cards is to compare not only the per-minute rate but also other charges and fees, which can add a lot to the cost of calls. Prepaid phone cards can be used to place calls from your home phone, a friend’s home, most hotels and from any pay phone, including those that do not accept coins.
