Calling cards, telephone cards, or phone cards, whatever you know them as, are extremely useful tools when it comes to making telephone calls both locally as well as internationally. The most commonly used telephone cards utilise a prepaid credit system where users buy a certain amount of calling time, which directly corresponds to the value of the card. Of course, this process depends on the telecommunication system via which you make the calls. Different network providers might offer different types of telephone card services, but mostly all offer phone cards with a specific balance, which allows you to make a specific number of calls or rather equates to a certain amount of talk time. Such prepaid calling cards are disposable, so when you have exhausted your balance, you simply buy a new one.



There are other types of calling cards that carry a PIN on them, which allow the user to transfer their charges on calls made via these phone cards, from any phone, to a fixed landline account. The advantage of such phone cards is that they do not limit the talk time for the user, so there is no fear of calls getting disconnected if balance runs out. The user is able to charge the calls made on a calling card on a fixed telephone account, which allows for a consolidated billing.

With two main technologies used for calling cards, namely stored value or remote memory, users today can enjoy many facilities on their international calling cards or local prepaid cards. A stored value calling card contains a certain balance amount that you can exhaust for your calls. When you use them at public phone booths, the machine's card reader reads this value, and you can make as many calls you want valued within the stipulated balance amount. This system is similar to an ATM, which reads your ATM card in the same manner. The earliest calling card using such encoded value were the Italian cards made in 1976, which coded information on to magnetic stripes of the card. Nowadays the technology used in stored value card has advanced from the rudimentary coding systems of the past. Remote memory calling cards allows for the access to a database, checking for balance and other details. This is done via a toll free access number, but in countries where there is no nationalized telephone operating service; this feature is of limited use.

Calling cards are great deals for travelers, who need not carry cash to pay for their telephonic transactions. Making international calls is also a hassle free experience, as you can make long distance calls within a stipulated balance amount, and not have to worry about excessive bills. International calling cards allow mobile phone users to make long distance phone calls without having to worry about charges being added to their postpaid bill, or deductions from their prepaid cellular connection. Even local residents can enjoy the multiple benefits of telephone cards, which they can use anywhere when out and about town, and charge to their landline account, or simply do away with the need of paying for their calls from any local telephone booth.