When calling cards first hit the scene, consumers didn't have a lot of different choices. This isn't the case any longer, with several companies offering different service for different prices. A smart shopper uses the Internet to do their research before making a calling card (or any for that matter) purchase. It's also more convenient sometimes to buy the card online if you don't need it right away.
Calling Card on Hand
The thing about phone cards is that you never really know when they might come in handy. If you're out in the middle of nowhere with no stores around (or all the stores are closed), it would be good to have one. With that in mind, it makes sense to purchase a back-up phone card for emergencies as cheaply as you can.
Rechargeable
Rechargeable cards are a good idea if you care about the environment and the planet. Instead of buying plastic card after plastic card, rechargeable cards let you buy the physical card once then purchase more minutes for it from a retailer or even in some cases online.
Calling Card Crafts
If you already have a lot of used up cards around already, you can try to get crafty with them ala Martha Stewart. I'm sure if you spent enough time thinking about it, you could come up with one or two ways to use the old cards artistically. Maybe a calling card mobile? The possibilities are endless.
Calling Card Gifts
Calling cards make a great gift. On the one hand, they're a gift, but on the other hand, they're a gentle reminder that you like talking to that person on the phone. While they don't make great gifts for everyone, they're sure to fulfill a lot of slots on your list each and every year.
Calling Card Storage
While it's usually a good idea to have a phone card in your wallet or purse at all times, there are other places to keep them as well. Your car handbook in the glove compartment is one good place to keep a spare phone card in case of an emergency - if you carry your wallet in your jacket for instance, and end up losing that. Having a phone card stashed here and there is simple and cheap to do, but might save you one day.
These are just a few tips and ideas for calling cards. If this doesn't convince you it's a good idea to have one on hand, I'm not sure what would.