• A phone card is a card that is preloaded with a certain amount of money, and that can be used to make long-distance calls or calls on payphones. Phone cards can be useful when you're traveling or in the case of a lost cell phone; however, they can also be complicated and tricky to use properly. The following paragraphs include some key rules to follow when using a phone card.
  
  

Protect your PIN

• The PIN is the code on the phone card that protects other people from using it. You must enter this code before making any calls in order to access the account and remaining balance on the card. Memorize the PIN and never share this code with anyone else.
  
  

Understand the Usage Fees

• Some phone cards boast very low per-minute rates compared to others, but this figure can be misleading. Often phone card services include a connection fee, which is a charge exacted each time the phone card user makes a call. For example, if a five-minute call is made at 10 cents per minute, but there is also a $2 connection fee, the total cost of the call will be $2.50 (not just 50 cents). Failure to understand these terms can result in much wasted value.
  
  

Know if the Card is Rechargeable

• Those who plan on using a phone card for an extended period will want one that can be recharged---to have the ability to purchase more airtime for the account in a convenient way. Many phone card services now allow users to reload accounts over the Internet, or by buying recharge cards in stores.