Out of airtime just when you wanted? That has happened to me a lot, and this particular time was Lagos, when I was traveling and had to urgently call the next stop to confirm my travel. Just then, I was about to open up my banking app to top up my airtime when I was betrayed by my network-no airtime, no data, so I could not buy more. My bank app wouldn’t load, and I was cut from even calling anyone to help. Frustrating, really.
In case you have ever found yourself in the same situation, do not worry. There really exists a way of borrowing airtime from your mobile service providers while in Nigeria, and it is way easier than you can imagine. Such networks include MTN, Glo, Airtel, and even 9Mobile, with straightforward ways to stay connected, even when the balance hits ground zero.
Now, on account of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), there stands a single USSD code that acceptable across networks for air time and data borrowing.
Here is everything you need to know.
How to Check Your Eligibility to Borrow Airtime
Before diving into it, just check whether you are going to be eligible. Here are the basic things most networks check:
- You need to have linked your line with your NIN.
- You need to have been on the line for some months.
- You need to have a history with the regular recharges.
The more active you are into the system, the greater the amount you may borrow.
How You Borrow Airtime at MTN
Borrow Airtime:
- Dial *301#
- Choose Preferred Borrow Amount
- Confirm, and you’ll receive credit with your acknowledgement SMS
The App Method
- Open the app
- Sign in
- Click “Borrow” under dashboard
- Choose “Airtime”
- Input amount, verify 15% service charge, and confirm
Customer Service Method
Call 300 and then listen to the instructions to be connected to an agent where you may request for airtime.
MTN charges 15 percent on every amount borrowed. Hence, 500 naira borrowed will be paid back as 575 on the next recharge.
Borrow Airtime in Glo
Use USSD
- Dial *303#
- Select your desired amount from the options given
- Confirm the request to get credited at once
The App of Glo Cafe
- Open the application and log in
- Click “Show All” on your dashboard
- Select “Borrow Me”
- Choose your available amount and click “Subscribe”
Glo charges a 15 percent service charge and the borrower should have been a customer for four months.
How to Borrow Airtime from Airtel
USSD Borrow Airtime Options
- Dial *303#
- Select” Borrow Credit
- Pick your amount and confirm
myAirtel App
- Log into the app
- Tap Borrow Airtime
- Choose your amount and confirm
Customer Care Option
Call 300 and follow the prompts to borrow via customer support
Conditions for Airtel borrowing are that the line must be at least three months old, in addition to monthly recharge frequency of at least 200 naira per month. There is a 15 percent fee applicable here as well.
Procedure for Borrowing Airtime on 9Mobile
USSD Option
- Dial *303#
- Select “Borrow Airtime”
- Choose your amount and confirm the transaction
Through the 9Mobile App
Log on and go to the menu
- Select “Borrow Airtime” under Services or Airtime Loan section
- Choose the amount and confirm.
You are expected to have used the 9Mobile line for at least a three-month period with a minimum recharge history of 200 naira every month. There is also the service charge of 15 percent.
Automatic Repayment
No manual repayment is required; the network shall deduct an amount borrowed and service fee on the next recharge automatically by following this: If 1,000 naira were borrowed, prepare for 1,150 naira deduction on the next airtime recharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
That depends on your eligibility. Some customers can borrow as low as 100 Naira, while some may get an allowance of 1,000 Naira or even above. This depends on your recharge, as well as usage history.
Can I borrow again if I have not yet repaid?
Borrowing again may be possible with MTN and 9Mobile as long as one has not reached the limit. However, Airtel generally requires that existing loans be paid off in full before granting another.
What happens if I refuse to pay back?
Until the debt is settled, further borrowing will not be allowed. Your credit rating may drop on Glo for exceeding the repayment period. On MTN, the flexibility is a bit more, but excessive delay in repayment will also eventually bar you from borrowing more.
Can data be borrowed instead?
Certainly! To borrow data instead of airtime, dial *303# and follow the prompt. The same eligibility and process apply.
Final Thoughts
That day in Lagos was a lesson for me: a plan B concerning connectivity. Airtime emergency situations can creep in unexpectedly, especially with non-cooperating bank apps or networks.
But now you have a plan available: borrowing airtime or data. It is simple on any of MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9Mobile, quick, and really dependable in a time of need.
