by netzkobold

Just like making a regular telephone call, using a prepaid phone card is simple. The difference is the step that you are going to do. You need to dial the access number provided in the card and then enter the card’s personal identification number (PIN). You can now dial the destination number that you want to call.

Before you can talk to the person that you want to reach, your call still passes different channels that play a major role to transfer each of your calls. The first player in the channel are the service carriers. They are the companies that own the telephone line and they make and set the rules on how you can use their prepaid phone cards. Next are the resellers or the companies that buy the calling minutes from the service carriers. They are in-charge of distributing these minutes to the prepaid phone card users. They also have the right to make additional rules on the use of the prepaid phone cards. The companies that set the rates for a particular phone cards are referred to as the issuers. They provide the access numbers of the prepaid phone cards to be used by the customers. The phone card distributors then purchase the prepaid phone cards in bulk quantities and they distribute these card to the retailers. The retailers then purchase these prepaid phone cards and they can sell them directly to their customers.

A prepaid phone card usually consists the following elements for them to function well. These cards have rates or the the prices of the minutes or length of call that you are going to make. For the different prepaid phone cards, different rates exist. Same goes for the different countries of your call destinations that is available in your card.

Just be careful of the hidden charges that your card may contain. These are the maintenance fee, connection fee and service fee. These fees can eat up your calling minutes and you get lesser time to make your succeeding calls. You need also to be familiar of the minute rounding system that your prepaid phone card applies. The usual rounding is one minute so you get more time to use with your card.

Your card may sometimes have the expiration date. It is the period of the validity of your card or the length of time that your prepaid phone card is still usable. The usual period is two or three months after your first use.

When you received your prepaid phone card, you notice at the back of it that there are printed information like the PIN and the access numbers. These are important for you to start your calls. The PIN is the identification for you to be allowed to make phone calls using the card. With your PIN, you can trace your calls with the records kept in the company’s computer system. You will also know the amount that was deducted and can be deducted for your next calls. Whenever you use your card and entered the PIN, your card balance is prompted.

The access numbers are special telephone numbers that you need to dial for you to use your prepaid phone card. Two types of access numbers exist in your card. The local access numbers are the phone numbers in your area. This can be used if you want your calls to have cheaper rates to avail of more calling minutes. The toll free access number may offer you a slightly higher rate but you are assured to get high quality calls. Every call you made through the this number is surely reliable and you don’t get the usual busy signals.

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by Iguana Jo

Calling cards are usually known by different names as well. They are also called as phone cards or phone calling cards. When you set out to purchase one, then you will be encountered by various types of cards which can confuse you. Here are the main types of calling cards available in the market and will help you to understand them prior to you purchase. Thus, helping you to buy the right calling card, that suits your needs.

Type 1: Prepaid Calling Cards

A prepaid calling card is has a set amount of credit amount on the card. Calling card users can use the card on using any phone, and the card is charged for the specified amount. You can use the card till the credit amount is completely utilized. Once, the balance is over, then you need to recharge the card or discard it away. Prepaid calling cards can be either purchased in increments of dollars or talk time in minutes. Usually, domestic calling cards are quantified in minutes. International calling cards however, are quantified in dollars, because each country has its own calling rate per minute.

Type 2: Post Paid Calling Cards

A credit based calling card is a post-paid calling card or a phone card. It provides the same convenience of a prepaid calling card, however there is not a regular decrease in account balance. But, the calls are billed on a per call basis and the user receives a monthly bill. These cards can be directly linked to your credit card or bank account for payments.

Type 3: Rechargeable Calling Cards

Rechargeable calling cards can be recharged after you utilize the complete minutes or the amount available in the calling card. Make sure the service provider provides the option to recharge the calling card and the process. Such calling cards can be recharged over the internet, phone or over the counter. The calling cards will have the rechargeable information on the card.

Type 4: Instant PIN Calling Cards

The term instant PIN (Personal Identification Number) can be applied to most calling cards bought over the Internet. PINs are shipped over e-mail as a way of avoiding shipping costs and eliminate lag time between the purchase date and receiving date. This system does not have a physical card but, has a virtual one. On purchasing such calling card online, the buyer receives an e-mail that contains complete information to use the card and the process to check the balance. It will also include the technical support contact details, in case you require help.

Type 5: International Calling Cards

An international calling card is designated for making international calls. You also need this calling card when you are travelling to another country and want to make international calls. These calling cards provide international access numbers. Calling card users need to dial the local access number for the country they are in, followed by the PIN and destination number. You are suggested to check the charges for such international calls as international calling cards may attract hidden charges.

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