Sometimes, you need to make an urgent call or send an important text, but you’re out of airtime. Maybe you’re in a place where you can’t buy a recharge card or your banking app is acting up. That’s where borrowing airtime comes in handy! Nigerian mobile networks allow customers to borrow airtime and pay it back later when they recharge. Let’s break it down so you know exactly how to do it for MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile.

General Requirements To Borrow Airtime

Before you jump in, here are a few things you should know:

• You must be a prepaid user (postpaid users are not eligible).
• Your line must be active for a certain period (varies per network).
• You should have a history of regular recharges.
• You must have repaid any previous borrowed airtime.
• There is always a service charge (usually 15%), so you’ll receive less than what you borrow.

Now, let’s get into the specifics for each network.

How To Borrow Airtime From MTN

MTN calls its airtime loan service MTN XtraTime. To check your eligibility, dial *303# and select “Check Eligibility.” If you’re eligible, follow these steps:

Borrow Airtime From MTN Using USSD Code

1. Dial *303# on your MTN line.
2. Select “Borrow Airtime.”
3. Choose an amount from the options displayed (eligibility depends on your usage history).
4. Confirm the request.
5. You’ll receive an SMS confirming the transaction.

Borrow Airtime From MTN Using The MTN App

1. Open the MTN app and log in.
2. Tap “Borrow.”
3. Select “Airtime” from the options.
4. Choose the amount you want to borrow.
5. Review the service charge and confirm.
6. The borrowed airtime will be credited to your account.

Borrow Airtime From MTN Via Customer Support

• Call 300, follow the prompts, or request to speak with an agent.

Borrowed Amount	Service Charge (15%)	Amount Received
₦50	₦7.50	₦42.50
₦100	₦15	₦85
₦200	₦30	₦170
₦500	₦75	₦425

How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

Airtel calls its airtime loan service Airtel Extra Credit. You need to be an active user for at least three months and recharge a minimum of ₦200 per month to qualify.

Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using USSD Code

1. Dial *303# on your Airtel line.
2. Select “Borrow Credit.”
3. Choose an amount (eligibility depends on your past usage).
4. Confirm the request.
5. You’ll receive an SMS notification once the airtime is credited.

Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using myAirtel App

1. Log into the myAirtel app.
2. Click on “Borrow Airtime.”
3. Select an amount based on your eligibility.
4. Click “Confirm.”
5. The airtime will be credited instantly.

Borrow Airtime From Airtel Via Customer Support

• Call 300 and follow the prompts.

Borrowed Amount	Service Charge (15%)	Amount Received
₦50	₦7.50	₦42.50
₦100	₦15	₦85
₦200	₦30	₦170
₦500	₦75	₦425

How To Borrow Airtime From Glo

Glo’s airtime loan service is called Glo Borrow Me Credit. To qualify, you must have been active on the network for at least four months.

Borrow Airtime From Glo Using USSD Code

1. Dial *303# on your Glo line.
2. Select “Borrow Credit.”
3. Choose an amount from the available options.
4. Confirm the transaction.
5. Your account will be credited instantly.

Borrow Airtime From Glo Using The Glo Cafe App

1. Log into the Glo Cafe app.
2. Click “Show All,” then tap “Borrow Me.”
3. Choose the amount you want to borrow.
4. Click “Subscribe” to confirm.

Borrowed Amount	Service Charge (15%)	Amount Received
₦50	₦7.50	₦42.50
₦100	₦15	₦85
₦200	₦30	₦170
₦500	₦75	₦425

How To Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile

9Mobile’s airtime loan service is called 9Mobile More Credit. To qualify, you must have been using your SIM for at least three months and recharge a minimum of ₦200 monthly.

Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile Using USSD Code

1. Dial *303# on your 9Mobile line.
2. Select “Borrow Airtime.”
3. Choose the amount you want to borrow.
4. Confirm the request.
5. The airtime will be credited instantly.

Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile Using The 9Mobile App

1. Log into the 9Mobile app.
2. Tap the menu icon.
3. Select “Borrow Airtime” under the Services section.
4. Choose the amount and confirm the request.
5. The borrowed airtime will be added to your balance.

Borrowed Amount	Service Charge (15%)	Amount Received
₦50	₦7.50	₦42.50
₦100	₦15	₦85
₦200	₦30	₦170
₦500	₦75	₦425

How to Repay Borrowed Airtime on MTN, GLO, Airtel, and 9Mobile

To repay borrowed airtime, just top up your line, and the amount you owe will be deducted automatically. The 15% service fee is already factored in when you take the loan, so there’s no extra charge during repayment.

Airtime Deduction Process

For example, if you borrow ₦500, you’ll receive ₦425 after the service fee is deducted. Once you recharge, the full ₦500 will be taken from your balance.

Borrowing airtime is a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch, but remember, it’s not free money! Always check your eligibility, be aware of the service charges, and repay as soon as you recharge. Now that you know how to borrow from MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile, you’ll never be stuck without airtime when you need it most!

FAQs

1. How Much Airtime Can I Borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on your network provider and your credit limit. To know your eligible loan amount, you’ll need to check with your service provider.

2. Can Borrowed Airtime Be Used to Purchase Data?

Yes, you can use borrowed airtime to buy data on most networks. However, MTN, GLO, Airtel, and 9Mobile also allow users to borrow data directly and repay when they recharge.

3. Can I Take Another Loan If I Haven’t Repaid the Previous One?

This depends on your network. MTN and 9Mobile let users borrow airtime even with an unpaid balance, as long as they haven’t exceeded their credit limit. On the other hand, GLO and Airtel require you to settle any outstanding debt before requesting another loan.

4. What Happens If I Don’t Repay My Borrowed Airtime?

Each network has its own rules. GLO, for example, blocks you from borrowing more airtime until you clear your debt. It may also lower your credit score, limiting how much you can borrow in the future. MTN, however, allows users to take another loan if they haven’t exceeded their borrowing limit. It’s best to check with your provider to know their specific policy.

5. How Do I Borrow Data on MTN, GLO, Airtel, and 9Mobile?

The process is similar to borrowing airtime. Simply dial *303# and follow the instructions. You can also borrow through the network’s mobile app or by contacting customer service.

6. Can I Repay Borrowed Airtime Even If I Haven’t Used It?

Yes, you can repay borrowed airtime by recharging, even if you haven’t used it. However, the 15% service fee is non-refundable.