Abstract: A system is provided which uses a pre-purchased card having an identity number to make long distance telephone calls or to order services over a landline telephone system. When long distance telephone calls are being purchased, the agent selling the card has the option of selecting the long distance Interexchange Carriers to be used. The present system also allows the card purchaser to select his or her own long distance carriers. In the alternative, the card ID can be used in the same manner as a credit card if the system has the capacity to carry out the necessary transactions to check the credit worthiness of the user.