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How to Choose the Best Prepaid Calling Card

A calling card, or phone card, usually resembles a credit card and is used to pay for domestic or long distance telephone service. Calling cards were invented in 1975 by a company named SIDA, a vending machine manufacturer. In 1976, a company in Italy put the first prepaid calling cards on the market. These calling cards employed a magnetic strip and could only be used in special phones.

It wasn't until 1987 that calling cards were widely available in the United States. World Telecom Group developed and distributed the calling cards using their own magnetic strip technology, which is still the most commonly used magstripe today.

During the past decade approximately 500,000,000 calling cards were sold annually. Calling cards can be found anywhere from gas stations and convenience stores to the Internet. With the Internet you have a much easier way to shop and compare so you will be able to find the best deals.

Prepaid calling cards represent a great advancement in communications, especially for long distance calling. They provide a way for people to keep in contact with friends and loved ones as well as business associates at lower rates. For people living, or traveling abroad, the prepaid International long distance card has brought them closer together with people back home. These low priced phone cards have made it affordable to stay in touch. Prepaid phone cards can also be very handy during emergencies.

If you are going to be using a calling card you need to know that they are not all the same. Rates and fees can vary widely so you will need to read the terms and compare the services before making the decision on which calling card to purchase. This may sound easier than it is done.

Calling card marketers usually feature the cost per minute displayed prominently on the card and in advertising copy. However, the cost per minute doesn't tell you everything you need to know. Surcharges, such as pay phone usage fees, can be added to the cost of using a calling card. Generally speaking, the lower the per minute rate the higher other surcharges will tend to be.

Some calling cards have a connection fee, or per call charge, and in many cases this charge can be enough to significantly raise your actual per minute cost. Many cards will have a higher surcharge for International long distance calls. This fee can add several dollars to a single call. Other surcharges can include taxes and maintenance fees.

Before choosing your calling card you need to be aware of what your calling habits are. If you make a lot of short phone calls you will want to get a card that has the lowest per-connection and "minimum rounding" fees. If, on the other hand, you make fewer calls and talk longer a card with lowest per minute rates, but with some surcharges, may give you a good deal for your money. Most people make different types of calls and will want to carry a calling card of each type.

A prepaid calling card has many advantages to offer. Be sure to compare services before deciding which one to use so you will get the maximum benefit from your calling card.

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