Calling card how does it work

There are also calling cards that are not prepaid, but accrue monthly charges based on calls made. This type of calling card lacks spending controls, but might be preferable for businesses. Calling cards purchased online may consist only of an access number and PIN, rather than an actual plastic card. Note that online or off, carriers sometimes go out of business, and clients with pre-purchased minutes can lose leftover credit.

If buying a calling card, it may be best to stick with a reputable company or look for a service contract that ensures returned credit under these circumstances. If someone you know has a pay as you go plan, a calling card from their cellular carrier can be a great gift. Have a relative or friend who lives far away? The market remains something of a minefield for many new users though, so it's important to know a few things about calling cards before choosing them as your option for making calls.

Furthermore, there are numerous calling card providers out there, with endless scenarios with regards to your country of origin, type of phone, type of tariff and required destination. Many calling cards will round up in increments of three minutes, meaning a one minute call is charged for three minutes, a four minute call is charged for six minutes, and so on.

Additional fees may also apply, like an extra surcharge per call, a weekly or monthly fee, or even a non-usage fee if you go a certain number of days without using the card. With some cards, the call is considered to have begun as soon as you finish entering the PIN code, meaning a minimum charge for minutes or money will be deducted even if your call doesn't ultimately go through. If you do so then it will disconnect from the calling card and make the call in the normal way, which obviously implies huge fees when attempting to call abroad.

Avoid scams by asking family and friends for recommendations, or only purchase cards issued by major telecommunication companies.

A travel writer since , Leah Rendon has written countless articles for online pop-culture magazines and various travel-related websites, including Eurobooking and World Gosford also has experience in copywriting, having developed a series of articles related to network marketing.

She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in theater arts. How to Call Mexico Cheap. How Does a Calling Card Work? Travel Tips. Leah Rendon, Leaf Group. PINs Calling cards come equipped with personal identification numbers for your protection and security. Instructions Most calling cards provide detailed usage instructions on the card itself or inside the packaging. Things to Know Although many calling cards are rechargeable, allowing customers to add more value to the card, some companies add recharging fees.

Perks Calling cards help you save money and maintain a phone budget, particularly while traveling.