There are many benefits of using calling cards rather than relying on a long distance carrier to make international calls. Some people purchase phone cards rather than paying for a monthly long distance bill or cell phone, while other people use them because they make frequent international calls when they are away from home. The rates will vary depending on which prepaid phone card you purchase and which country you are calling, but one thing is certain. The rates will always be less than what the phone company would charge including monthly service charges.



Various online phone cards can be purchased over the Internet and reloaded with minutes or points. These calling cards will typically come with toll-free access phone numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN numbers) printed on them, although some also have PIN-less calling features that allow you to make calls instantaneously. The prepaid phone card issuers have automatic systems that keep track of how many minutes or points the caller has remaining.

Phone cards are preferable in many situations because they offer low rates and very high call quality, and they also put more power in the hands of the consumer since they do not require a monthly fee or any sort of service contract. They come in denominations that normally range from $10 to $100. And now that they are available on the Internet without the need to step foot outside the house they are more convenient than ever before.

The convenience is an obvious benefit, but the main attraction of online phone cards for most consumers is the possible savings compared to traditional modes of making calls away from home or office. Many calling cards offer no connection fees, no maintenance fees, rechargeable calling minutes, auto recharge options, PIN-less dialing, speed dial, call history, billing history and the virtual card feature. With convenience and affordability they are a great benefit to frequent long distance callers.