Five Common Phone Card Myths
Phone Cards have been around in various forms for over twenty years. There have been significant technological change in telecommunications over that time and some past limitations or problems related to past generations of phone cards are still lingering today as common myths. The following is a summary of some of the common “phone card myths”.
- Phone Cards are complicated to use. This may have been true at one time but it is certainly not true today. A phone card is used by dialing a special phone number called an access number. The phone is normally answered by the phone card service provider’s automated system. In some cases, the system will ask the caller to input a PIN code and account number and than ask them to dial the number they wish to call. Some phone cards still require users to follow this procedure but it is becoming more common to find phone cards that feature PIN free dialing. With PIN free dialing, a user registers the phone numbers they typically place calls from and the system will automatically recognize them when they call the access number so there is no need to enter a PIN code or account number. More phone cards are also featuring speed dial which will allow users to dial commonly called numbers by using preset numbers, usually a couple of digits. Therefore, placing international calls with many of the phone cards being sold today is relatively simple. In many cases, all a caller needs to do is dial an access number and press a couple of numbers on their telephone key pad. What could be easier?
- Phone Cards have poor call quality. In truth, phone card quality varies across the spectrum. Some have poor quality while others have extremely high quality. Many phone cards that advertise unbelievably low rates also have poor quality because they use low cost service providers so consumers should consider price when shopping for phone cards. However, low price does not always mean “poor quality” so consumers should also take other factors, like quality ratings, into account when shopping for phone cards. We think a good practice is to purchase a small denomination, moderately priced phone card and try it on a few calls to the locations you call most often. If the card works well for you than continue to use it.
- Phone Cards advertise low rates than add on hidden fees that rip-off consumers. This is sometimes true. Consumers should use caution when shopping for phone cards and always read and understand the fine print and other fee disclosures listed on the phone card or the website. It is best to stay away from marketers or websites that do not prominently list phone card fees in an easy to understand format. Some phone card marketers use a lot of different fee structures and other tricks to lure consumers and charge them higher than expected rates. However, there are phone cards that list honest rates and do not charge any added fees or taxes. One virtual phone card like this is Tel3Advantage.
- Users cannot view charges or track phone card usage. This was true in the past. Until recently, the best a user could hope for is the phone card service provider to advise them how much money was left on the card before they placed a call. The fee charged for each call was, in many cases, a mystery. This is still true with some phone cards but with many products, it is no longer true. More and more premium phone cards offer a feature referred to as “Call History” which allows users to view the details of each call made on their phone card in their personal, on-line account.
- The existing service provider will charge extra when a phone card is used to place a call. This is truly a myth. In most cases, the existing service provider will not even know that a phone card was used. Since the user will need to place a call to the phone card access number the existing service provider may charge an extra fee for this call if, for example, it is outside the local service area. Also, if the caller uses a cell phone than air time may be charged to call the access number depending on the users call package. However, in general, extra fees are not charged by local service providers for using a phone card.
Visit Cheap International Calling options for more information on phone cards and other low cost options for making domestic and international long distance phone calls.