What to look for in a phone card? Here's a few ideas below:
Secure shopping
Before making any purchase, make sure that the provider is a trusted one, so that your credit card info is safe. Getting your phone cards online should be a 100% safe and secure transaction. This means that no personal information will be shared with third parties, and your credit card information will remain confidential. Besides, you can always opt to pay for your online calling cards in many different ways, only one of which is by credit card.
Low rates, great quality
Pay attention to the rates vs call quality issue. The best way to test this is to get a free trial, if the calling card company provides one; alternatively, you can ask or search on the internet for other people who have bought similar cards and see how their experience with the company was. Also, extra-features offered by the most reputable companies are to be taken into account...
On top of the low rates for international destinations that your calling card provider should offer, you might also get other benefits - check if they are available with your provider:
- great sound quality on all your international calls
- automatic refill option, which you can activate to never run out of credit
- pinless dialing, ensuring you a faster and simple dialing
- 24/7 full customer support service; it's important that this exists, as you might need to ask a question, or want some help - so it's best to know there's someone there to address your questions at any hour
- holiday discounts - some providers offer these too, so you'll get better prices on your cards.
Great savings
It's a well known fact that phone cards will save you money on international calls. For your savings to be even greater, there are a few 'tricks' you can apply: you may also use the special Local Access Numbers provided to you in order to save up to 120% more on your long distance calls!
Variety of products
People have different calling needs, especially when it comes to international calls. But for most people, if a calling card company offers enough options, they will be able to find a product that is just right for them.
Phone cards usually differ by rates, taxes and billing increments. And although you might think that taxes are to be avoided all the time, this in not necessarily true: in some cases, you will be better off making a call with a card that has taxes, if your call is longer ( as you will get a lower rate). Some providers might also have a few special cards for sale, like a students phone card. This would be a card specially designed for students: special rates for a list of destinations, including: Canada, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, and many more. If you're from one of those countries, and studying abroad, you should consider getting such a card, as it will help you make great savings on international calls.
These are all important factors to be taken into account when shopping for a new phone card.
Author Resource:
Alex recommends: Phone Cards Central - a brand new online store offering a multitude of calling cards. Although the new site has only been launched on November, 18th 2009 the company seems very promising, as it offers low rates and great call quality. Check it out: http://www.phonecardscentral.com