Calling cards are prepaid cards that allow you to make a phone call according to the amount of minutes you purchased. Often used by frequent travelers who want to avoid heavy cell phone roaming charges or do not have a cell phone, calling cards can save money and provide a convenient alternative to a monthly bill. Calling cards are typically prepaid, but can also employ a system similar to a credit card; that being said, call payment as well as phone card usage differs considerably between service providers.

Calling Card Types

To date, the most common type of calling card involves pre-paid credit. Pre-paid credit is a stored-value system, in which cards have specific loads or balances from which the payment of calls is subtracted from. Most prepaid card systems employ disposable cards wherein new cards may be instantly bought upon exhaustion of a previous prepaid cards balance, however, certain providers also employ systems where the balance of exhausted prepaid cards may be refilled.
Remote memory cards have specialized PIN codes printed on them that allow users to charge calls made to a land-line telephone account.

Calling Card Scheme

Calling cards actually require two calls to reach their intended destination. First, users call to gain access to the calling card platform of their card company. Once a caller is connected to the card service platform, their card is authenticated (usually by a PIN code or by a chip embedded on the card.) Upon validation, the user is informed of the available balance in the card and is given the chance to dial their intended recipient. Then, the user is told their remaining balance on the card and the call rates for their call destination. Generally, most calling cards give prompts when there is only a single minute remaining for the call’s duration.

Employing a Remote Memory System

Remote memory systems employ an access number to reach the phone company’s database in order to check the remaining balance of a card. Remote memory cards are more readily available, have more economical rates compared to conventional calling card services, and can be used from any touch-tone phone. Lower rates have led to the rise of consumers preferring remote memory services to conventional calling cards; however, they require the input of an access number, a specialized PIN code as well as a number of additional instructions, making them less efficient.

Availing Calling Card Services

Calling cards are available in many retail outlets and small-sized stores in most countries. Recent innovations in calling card technology have paved the way for the creation of calling accounts. Calling accounts eliminates the need for printing physical calling cards. Calling card accounts are offered only in digital form, and are readily available through the Internet by virtue of credit cards and online payment systems. Delivery of calling account services is usually by e-mail. The e-mail contains card information, PIN, and instructions for usage.

Additional Resources

Please contact your Fastblue.com client manager to learn more about how the company can help your business!