Phone cards are prepaid by the purchaser, usually in cash and offer the consumer the convenience of making long distance calls, domestically or internationally without using cash or telephone credit cards.
Customers normally purchase phone cards for specific dollar amounts.
The cards provide long distance minutes based upon the specific rates set by the carrier. As calls are made, the usable minutes are automatically deducted from the card balance, which is either recorded on the card itself or on a central computer through which the long distance calls are routed. Yes, since January 1, 1999. Phone cards can be purchased at many locations, primarily convenience stores, liquor stores, discount stores, supermarkets, department stores, and small markets and shops. They can also be purchased through the Internet on the World Wide Web.