DR Phone Communications, Inc.

When you buy a pre-paid phone card, it means you are paying in advance for telephone calling time. The cards generally cost from $2 to $20 for local or long-distance calling time; the rate charged per minute determines the amount of calling time you’re buying.

Pre-paid phone cards can be very convenient, but Business Consumer Alliance cautions consumers that some pre-paid phone cards have hidden costs or other problems, like bad connections, access numbers that are almost always busy, and personal identification numbers (PINs) that don’t work. Some calling cards come with fees that can take a big bite out of the calling time you’ve bought. As a result, the cards don’t deliver the call time they advertise. And because you’ve paid in advance, you may be out of pocket – and out of luck – if you discover a problem.

If you’re considering buying a calling card, read the poster, flyer, website or other advertisement for it, including any fine print before you buy. Watch out for fee disclosures which are in addition to call charges. These additional fees can quickly diminish the value of your card. Some examples of these hidden charges might be “Post-Call,” “Disconnect” or “Hang-Up” fees: these are charges deducted each time you hang up the phone after using the card. “Maintenance” fees: charges deducted shortly after you use the card and at regular intervals. “Pay phone surcharges”: are charges deducted if you use the card at a pay phone.

Find out if the advertised minutes apply only for a single call. Some cards lose a lot of value if you try to make more than one call, regardless of the number of minutes advertised. Ask if the advertised minutes apply only if you use the “local access” number? Some cards charge higher rates if you use the “toll-free access” number to place your call. See if there is an expiration date for minutes? Look for an explanation of fees. Does it make sense to you? If it seems unreasonable, buy another card. Ask the retailer for a card with no fees or fewer fees. If you’re buying the card online, check a different website. Check the card for a toll-free customer service number in case you have problems. Finally, think about buying a card of a small denomination – say, $2 – first. It may provide the best value because if something goes wrong, your loss is limited.


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