PrePaid Phone Card Know-How

A prepaid phone card is a card you purchase (for a set price) and use to make long distance phone calls. See Our Prepaid Calling Cards These calls are usually sold in dollar amounts or by number of minutes.

Many people use a prepaid phone card because of the card's convenience. It can be used anywhere and since you pay in advance, there is no bill. Prepaid phone cards are popular among travelers, students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who haven't selected a long distance carrier. In addition prepaid phone cards are sold in convenient stores, newsstands, post offices, and stores.

How Do I Use a PrePaid Phone Card

A toll free access phone number and a personal identification number (PIN) are usually printed on each phone card. To make a phone call, you dial the access number and then enter the PIN. An automated voice will ask you to enter the phone number you are trying to call, and it will tell you how much time you have left on your card. It might also give you other information and options.

Phone companies keep track of how much of a card's calling time is used by the card's PIN number. You can add time to some prepaid phone cards and the added cost can usually be billed to a credit card. If you cannot add time to your card, you will need to buy a new one once all the time has been used. Also prepaid phone cards often have expiration dates. Make sure to keep track of the date your card expires so you don't lose unused minutes.

Carriers are responsible for the telephone lines that carry prepaid phone card calls. Card Issuers set the card rates and provide toll free customer service and access numbers. Resellers, buy telephone minutes from the carriers. Distributors sell cards to the retailers like convenient marts. These retailers sell cards to consumers. It is important to remember that a store or agency such as Chamberlain Communications may not have control over the quality of the card or the service it provides except in the initial choice to represent a carrier who has a reputation for providing quality service, like SpeedyPin

Common Complaints about PrePaid Phone Cards

As prepaid phone cards are increasing in popularity, some common concerns have been voiced.

1. Access numbers and/or PINS don't always work.
2. Service or access numbers are always busy.
3. Card issuers go out of business, leaving customers with useless cards.
4. Rates are higher than advertised or have additional hidden charges.
5. Poor quality connections.
6. Card expire without the purchaser's knowledge.

How to Avoid Prepaid Phone Card Problems

• Make sure you understand the rates for your particular phone card. Mobile rates are rarely the same as landline calls, and can be quite costly especially calling overseas.
• Check the expiration date. Most cards now have not only an expiration date from purchase, but also from first use. Expiration from first use is usually less time.
• Look for a toll free customer service number provided with or on the phone card. Be sure you understand the instructions on the back of the card. Read the company's card guarantee and/or terms of use.
• Ask for recommendation from friends and family of what cards they use.

What to Do if a Prepaid Card Doesn't Work

First, try calling the customer service number provided with the card. If that doesn't resolve your problem, call or write your local Consumer Affairs Department or State Attorney General. These phone numbers are often found in the blue pages of your phonebook.

You can also file a complaint or research the company through your local Better Business Bureau, or contact the Federal Trade Commission FTC, call 1-877-FTC Help (1-877-382-4357). For more information visit the Federal Communications Commission's website: http://www.fcc.gov