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cardcall has agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to publish the guide below for purchasers of phonecards.
Phone card users should check the terms and conditions to make sure they are aware of all charges relating to the use of their phonecard.
To make sure you get the best value phonecard for your needs you should look for other charges that may deplete the value of your phonecard i.e.:
Call rates
This is the rate per minute charged to make a call. If the call rate is low you should look to see what other charges there are that may increase the cost of making a call such as a connection or disconnection fee or service fees.
Connection or disconnection fees
A connection fee may be charged for every phone call that is connected. A card with a connection fee may have a lower per minute rate but the cost of the connection fee may use up the value of the card more quickly.
Service fees
A service fee may be applied to your card every day or every two days or even weekly. It will usually start from the date of the first call you make and will continue until the value of the card expires.
Incremental Billing
It is important to check the amount of minutes used by the phonecard company to calculate the length of your calls. Some phonecards charge in 2, 3 or 4 minute intervals. If a phonecard is charged in 3 minute intervals, a 4 minute call could be charged as 6 minutes.
Off peak or 24 hour rates
Some phonecards have one fixed (24 hour) call rate, others have peak and off peak rates. The fixed rate means that whatever time you call the rate remains the same. Other phonecards charge more during peak times usually 9.00am to 6.00pm and less during off peak hours. If a phonecard is off peak you should check when the off peak calling times are applicable.
Calls to mobile phones
Calls to mobile phones will usually have a more expensive call rate so if you are planning to call a mobile phone you need to check if it is charged at the listed call rates or whether it will cost you more.
Expiry date
Some phonecards have an expiry date 3 or 6 months after first use. You should check when the expiry date is and if the phonecard is rechargeable.
Rounding
Some cards will also round up the cost of each call to the nearest 1c or 5c. |