• Time based charge:

The actual time you spend online either in units purchased or a time increment in seconds. The time increments in call cards vary from 1 second to 5 minutes.

• Connection Fee:

A one off charge for initiating a single call. Each and every time you use an USA call card and your party answers, you will be charged a connection fee which will be deducted from the available minutes. This amount is deducted from the card value either in money or in minutes. If a calling card has a very low per minute rate, the chances are it has either a high connection fee or a surcharge. It is a logical extension that call cards with a connection fee are hopeless for short duration phone calls whereas they may be highly effective for long duration calling.

• Initial Connection/Weekly Service/Maintenance Fees:

Some phone calling cards have an initial set up fee. This could be a one off just to get you on the road. Some, however, charge a weekly or monthly fee of around $1.00. This is charged after the first time that the card is used and is deducted in minutes or dollar from the card. Even if you are not using your calling card you may be racking up a charge. Another great tip is to check is what time of day and what calling code is in the country you are calling as well.