Welcome to the world of VoIP communications. So, finally you have decided to upgrade your communication system. VoIP technology comes in two forms, VoIP hardware based and VoIP software based configurations. If you are using a VoIP software based configuration then the next step is to choose calling cards for your VoIP systems. There are wide varieties of calling cards available with VoIP services provider. So, naturally it becomes confusing for consumers to choose a calling card. However there are certain points which are worth pondering before choosing a calling card.

Access fees - This is a common fees charged every time you place a call and most customers probably know about it already. However, at times when the user makes a call the connection fee is charged without customer uttering a single word. This happens when the call is routed to answering machine and voicemail box. Therefore, to avoid this charge user should simply choose a calling card which has no access fee.

Maintenance fees - This is a fee charged by calling card companies either on a weekly or monthly basis. Before choosing any calling card, you should read the fine print to find out the maintenance fees. Users should look for a card with low maintenance fees.

Service fees - This fee is charged on a usage basis with reference to the call charges. It is typically in the range of 5 to15 per cent.

Billing system - If the company says it uses per minute pulse, a call of 40 seconds will be charged the same as one minute and four minutes and thirty seconds will be charged the same as five minutes. So higher the rounding time the more calling costs you have to pay. Therefore take a card as per your needs.

Extra talking fees A few calling card providers charge an extended fee if a call goes beyond a specified duration. Check whether the VoIP calling card you buy has such a fee.

Expiry date - Prepaid calling cards generally have an expiry date. Expiry dates are of two types: The date from which the card is being used and a general expiry date. After the expiry date you will not be able to use the calling card even if you have talk time. So, before buying a calling card always check its expiry date.

Before buying any card, find out the average rate per minute after calculating all the costs involved. Explore in the market for the best deal on calling cards and then purchase a card which suits best your needs.