Calling card bills include any of three types of charges. At minimum, each call will be billed a standard per-minute rate. Many cards also add a fixed access surcharge for each call that is placed. Finally, a monthly fee may also be charged by some services.

Your expected usage can help determine which type of billing arrangement will be best suited for you. Users who place many short calls will want to look for a card that has no access surcharge, while those who make fewer, but longer, calls will want to look for low per-minute rates.

Also consider the time of day you tend to make calls. If many calls are placed after business hours, look for a company that offers low evening rates.