It is less expensive for the Company to re-charge a card rather than manufacture and sell a new card. You won't be cut off during an important call. Instead, your call will be held and you will be offered the opportunity to add time. Eliminates the concern of having a little time left, but not enough for the call you want to make. The time remaining won't be wasted, it will be added to.
Most companies now offer automatic renewal.
You will never run out of time and your conversation will never be interrupted to offer additional time since additional time will automatically be added and charged to your credit card at a predetermined level. It can be difficult to find a useful gift, but most people make phone calls. Whatever rate your friend or relative pays for their long distance service is irrelevant, since free time is still free. Telecards can be used from virtually any touch tone phone. Customize the front of the card with your own design.