More often than not, prepaid long distance cards offer callers the most competitive low rates available on the market today. Compared to regular phone company long distance rates, prepaid rates can save one individual hundreds of dollars a year. For an entire family--especially those with preteens and talkative teenagers--thousands of dollars can be put away for better use.

With prepaid long distance programs, you will also know how many minutes you can afford to talk on any given conversation. Budgeting long distance bills is part of having a good economic head on your shoulders. And, because most Internet calling companies offer them, minutes can be added to these low rate cards at any time through a credit card or online transaction.

By putting a few prepaid long distance cards in your pocket, you will know for a fact that loved ones, business associates, and emergency personnel can be contacted from any location. These cards are great for vacations, business trips and whenever visiting family in other states. They are also money-saving tools for college students interested in calling home once in a while and for romantic couples separated by miles of road.

When Prepaid Long Distance Becomes Free

There is lucky news for anyone interested in taking part of online programs in exchange for free long distance minutes! A few professional calling card companies offer free long distance minutes as a part of a rewards program for members who fill out online surveys and purchase gifts through associated websites. These cards work just like regular long distance ones, only the units on them are completely free of charge.