For the most part, rates are higher on weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is considered peak time. Many services require a minimum amount of minutes before you get the best rate. Others round out fractions of a minute to the next highest, others charge by the second. Still others give breaks for calls from and to special locations. Ask for the lowest prices and promotions.
Many programs offer signing bonuses or frequent-flier miles.
The latest trend is for carriers to offer little gifts as a signing bonus. Consider billing the calls directly to your credit card. If you ve got a credit card that offers bonus points or frequents-flier miles, use it. There are even greater incentives if you re willing to receive your billing statements through the Internet. Know the 1010 codes.