Access Code
A string of numbers, also known as the PIN (personal identification number), needed to complete a call. Access codes are used by telephone companies to identify callers.

Access Surcharge
A surcharge assessed each time the calling card is used, regardless of the length or destination of the call. The access surcharge typically ranges from nothing to 80¢ per call, depending on the carrier.

Account Codes
Identification numbers entered after each call that allow calling costs to be allocated to different departments, clients or projects.

Call Rounding
Indicates how the actual length of a phone call is translated into billed time. Companies typically bill a minimum 30 seconds per call, and round calls up to the nearest full minute or to the nearest six second increment.

Conference Calling
A feature that allows several people to simultaneously connect on a single call. For most calling cards, conference calling is set up through an operator. Costs include a fixed fee of $2 to $4, plus high ($0.30 to $2.00) per minute charges for each connected party.

Messenger Service
A feature that allows a card user to record messages for delivery at a later time. After the user has recorded a message, the service will automatically dial the specified number and replay the recording to the recipient. This feature costs $0.80 to $1.75 per message.

Multiple Calling
A feature on some calling cards that allows the user to make successive calls without redialing the access number and account billing information. With multiple calling, a user simply hits the disconnect button or pound (#) key to make the next call.

Speed Dialing
A way for a card user to program commonly called phone numbers for easy retrieval. These numbers can then be dialed by touching one or two buttons after the card account information is entered.