Making the Most of Calling Cards

Making the most of calling cards will give your business the edge over the competition

Making the most of calling cards includes being able to make calls cheaply and easily when you and your employees are traveling. Calling card providers should cut through the red tape and provide you with solutions that enhance your business instead of putting a crimp in it.

Phone calling cards sound simple enough. You enter the number on the back of the card, punch in the calling card number and your PIN, then dial the ten digit phone number you're trying to reach. That's true--they are simple. When they get complicated is when you run out of minutes in the middle of an important business trip or get socked with huge bills. To make the most out of phone cards:

1. Find calling cards that offer your business a little something extra.

2. Travel with a business calling card to always be connected to the home office.

3. Forgo a traditional prepaid calling card in favor of one that bills you monthly.

Choose calling card services that offer business clients a personal touch

Many calling card companies have personalized services. For example, some companies include long distance calling cards as a no-cost addition to your business telephone service.

Get the best business calling cards for the country you call the most

International phone cards vary as much as the company that sells them. There are no two alike, so it pays off to do your research. Most calling card providers have searchable databases that allow you to find the current per minute rate to a number of countries, so you can make an informed decision before buying.

Register for calling card services billed directly to your company credit card

Business calling cards don't have to operate like any other calling card you buy at the local convenience store. As a smart business owner, you shouldn't pay for unused minutes. Instead, go with a plan that bills you monthly so you never run out of minutes.

Distribute long distance calling cards to all your employees who travel. It's a much better and cheaper option than allowing them to bill the company later.