How to Make Long Distance Calls Using a Debit Card

Getty Images

Are you traveling without a cell phone and need to place an important long-distance call? As long as you have a debit card that has a major credit card logo on it, you can still place your call. All you need is access to a telephone and your debit card.

Instructions

1. 

   Dial "0" from a regular telephone to get an operator.

2. 

   Advise the operator that you want to place a long-distance debit card call. The operator will ask you for your debit card information, including the card's expiration date and the last three digits on the back of your card, commonly referred to as the security code. The operator will then put the call through to the party you are attempting to reach.

3. 

   Dial the long-distance telephone number on a payphone for the party you are attempting to reach.

4. 

   Swipe your debit card in the payphone's credit card reader to pay for the call. You may be prompted to enter the pin number for your debit card to complete the telephone call. Once your debit card has been authorized, the telephone call will go through. If there is no credit card reader on the payphone, you can still use your debit card to place the call by following the procedures outlined in Steps 1 and 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Before placing the call, dial "0" to reach an operator to ask what the rates are to place the call using your debit card.

• Because calling rates can be extremely high, use caution when using your debit card to make long-distance telephone calls.