Prepaid Phone Cards Basics

Know the benefits and convenience of prepaid calling cards for your business communication needs

By Michelle Cramer
A prepaid phone calling card will save you money, time and effort. The process is fairly simple. Users call the toll-free number on the back of the card, enter the individual card number and pin assigned to the card, and then dial the number they wish to call.

There are a few factors to consider before using a calling card, such as how the provider tallies minutes used and if the card has an expiration date. However, as long as you know enough about prepaid phone cards basics and research the card details beforehand, you should be able to use it to your advantage. Consider the following benefits:

1. Using prepaid calling card services instead of a long-distance provider can save your business money.

2. Prepaid phone cards offer convenience, since you can use them from anywhere.

3. Prepaid mobile phone cards provide cell phone access without unnecessary contracts.

 

Save money with prepaid phone cards

The rates offered by a prepaid phone cards business are often cheaper than a long-distance carrier will provide. Additionally, with prepaid long-distance phone cards, you know exactly how much you're spending on calls ahead of time. This means no bills and no worries. You will likely obtain a discounted call rate if you purchase wholesale prepaid phone cards in bulk.
Try: While there are many benefits to prepaid phone cards, like many services, there are always companies that attempt to cheat consumers. The Federal Communications Commission provides basic information on calling card usage and what to do if you have a problem. PhoneCardSmile.com is an organization that compiles calling card offers from across the globe, so that you can find the best deal for your specific long-distance call needs.

Make calls from anywhere with prepaid calling cards

A great benefit to calling cards is their convenience. You can make calls from anywhere in the world at any time without having to depend on coverage availability. With typical cell phone usage, your plan may have limitations that don't allow you to make calls to or from overseas, or may charge you extra for doing so. You can purchase calling cards for specific locations, such as calling your client in England, or that are all encompassing. Whatever your preference, the convenience these cards provide is unmatched.
Try: Obtain more details on calling cards, even how you can consider starting a prepaid calling card business, from the Federal Citizen Information Center. Communications Fidelity offers wholesale prepaid calling cards if you purchase more than $500 worth each month.

Obtain prepaid cell phone cards so that you always have minutes to use

If your cell phone sees minimal usage, you may be better off purchasing a phone that you use with prepaid cell phone cards. You simply purchase cell phone minutes on the card and purchase more when those minutes run out. This way you don't deal with additional charges for going over your allotted minutes, and you're not stuck in a contract if you want to change your cell phone or provider.
Try: WirelessGuide.org offers information and selection tips on purchasing prepaid cell phone cards. AT&T provides a prepaid cell phone plan that may fit your budgetary needs.

 

  • You need to be aware of how the provider calculates used minutes on prepaid long-distance phone cards. Some companies calculate usage down to the second, while others will round up your call times. For example, if you talk to someone for 15 minutes and 20 seconds, many providers will take 16 minutes off of your card usage tally. Additionally, some cards have a one-minute usage fee for each call made that they add to your total call time.