How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Greetings and welcome to popup.com.ng, your go-to source for anything Tech, Telecom and Internet Connectivity. Today we’ll be discussing a crucial topic that says “How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel”.

Are you an Airtel user in need of urgent airtime? Do you wish there was a way to get extra credit when you need it most? Look no further! Airtel’s Extra Credit service allows eligible prepaid users to borrow airtime and payback later. This convenient service provides a safety net for those unexpected moments when you need to make a call, send a message, or stay online.

To qualify for Airtel Extra Credit, you must have a prepaid SIM with a good standing, meaning you’ve been recharging your account regularly and haven’t defaulted on previous borrowings. If you meet this criteria, you can enjoy the benefits of Extra Credit, including convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.

In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to borrow airtime from Airtel. We’ll cover everything from checking your eligibility to receiving the borrowed airtime, so you can get the extra credit you need in no time. Let’s get started!

If you are reading this article right now, be rest assured that this guide will cover the following related search queries below;

What Is Airtel Extra Credit Service?

Airtel Extra Credit, also sometimes referred to as Airtel XtraTime or Talk Time Advance (depending on the region), is a service offered by Airtel that essentially acts like a mini-loan for your phone. It allows eligible prepaid customers to borrow a small amount of airtime credit to tide them over until their next recharge.

READ ALSO: New Code To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

This can be a lifesaver in situations where you urgently need to make a call, send a text, or even access data (depending on your location) but don’t have enough balance on your account. However, it’s important to remember that it’s a loan, not free credit. You’ll need to repay the borrowed amount along with a service charge on your next recharge.

What Is The Eligibility Requirements For Borrowing Airtime From Airtel

Here are the key requirements to consider before borrowing airtime from Airtel:

  • Prepaid Airtel SIM: This service is only available for Airtel prepaid customers. If you’re on a postpaid plan, you won’t be eligible for Airtel Extra Credit.
  • Active and Registered SIM: Your Airtel SIM card needs to be registered and active on the network.
  • Minimum Account Age: There’s a minimum account age requirement, typically around 2-3 months (depending on your region). This helps Airtel assess your usage patterns and creditworthiness.
  • Regular Recharges: Airtel looks for customers who consistently recharge their airtime. Having a history of regular top-ups increases your chances of being eligible for borrowing airtime.
  • No Outstanding Loans: You cannot have any pending Airtel Extra Credit loans on your account. Make sure you’ve settled any previous borrowings before applying for a new one.

Code To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

To borrow airtime from Airtel, you need to dial the correct USSD code. Important note: As of May 17, 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all telecommunications providers to harmonize USSD codes across all networks. As a result, the old code *500# is no longer valid and has been deactivated.

The new code to borrow airtime from Airtel is *303#. This change was made to ensure uniformity and simplicity in USSD codes across all networks in Nigeria. So, if you’re in need of extra airtime, simply dial *303# to access Airtel’s Extra Credit service.

How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Nigeria

As of May 2023, the Airtel Extra Credit code has changed due to regulations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The new code to borrow airtime from Airtel Nigeria is now *303#.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to borrow airtime using the updated code:

Step 1: Dial the Airtel Extra Credit Code

  • Open your phone’s dial pad and enter the new USSD code: *303#
  • Press the call button to initiate the Airtel Extra Credit menu.

Step 2: Navigate the Menu

  • You’ll receive a menu on your phone screen with various options related to Airtel Extra Credit.
  • The exact wording might vary slightly, but typically, you’ll see options like:
    • Borrow Airtime
    • Borrow Data
    • Check Eligibility
    • Manage Borrowed Airtime (might include options to check balance or repay)
    • Exit

Step 3: Choose “Borrow Airtime”

  • Depending on the menu options displayed, select the option for borrowing airtime. It might be directly labeled “Borrow Airtime” or have a corresponding number you need to enter (e.g., press “1” for Borrow Airtime).

Step 4 (Optional): Choose Borrowing Amount (if applicable)

  • In some cases, the menu might allow you to directly select a pre-defined borrowing amount (e.g., N50, N100).
  • If this option is available, choose the amount you need.

Step 5: Confirm Borrowing Request

  • Once you’ve selected or entered the desired amount (if applicable), you might be asked to confirm your borrowing request.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.

Step 6: Receive Notification

  • You’ll receive a notification on your phone regarding the status of your borrowing request.
  • If your request is approved, the borrowed airtime will be credited to your account, minus a service charge (typically 15-20%).
  • If your request is denied, the notification will explain the reason (e.g., insufficient eligibility, outstanding balance).

How To Check Or Know If You Are Eligible To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

there are two workarounds to get a good idea of whether you can borrow airtime from Airtel:

  1. Check Eligibility Status:
    • Simply dial *303# on your Airtel phone. This is the general code for accessing the Airtel Extra Credit menu in Nigeria.
    • Then you will see options in a menu that will pop-up after dialing the code
    • Look for the option “Account” then after choosing Account, you will receive another menu, look for “Eligibility Status
    • Once you’ve selected “Eligibility Status”, you will recieve a message displaying whether you are eligible to borrow airtime from airtel or not.
  2. Try Borrowing a Small Amount: There’s no harm in trying to borrow a small amount of airtime to see if it goes through. Dial *303*amount# (replace “amount” with the desired amount, e.g., *303*50# for N50). If your request is accepted, then you’re eligible! However, if you’re ineligible, you’ll receive a message informing you that you cannot borrow airtime at this time.

Important Note: Be mindful that even if the request goes through, you might still be charged a service fee for borrowing the airtime.

How To Repay Your Airtel Extra Credit Loan and Service Charges

Once you’ve borrowed airtime using the *303# code, it’s important to repay the loan promptly to avoid any service interruptions and maintain good standing with Airtel. Here’s how to repay your Airtel Extra Credit loan:

Repayment Methods:

  • Next Recharge: The most common way to repay your Airtel Extra Credit loan is through your next recharge. Any amount you recharge will go towards repaying the borrowed amount plus the service charge.
  • Airtel Money (if available): If you have an Airtel Money account, you might be able to use it to directly repay your Airtel Extra Credit loan. Check the Airtel Nigeria website or app for confirmation on this option and specific instructions (availability may vary by region).

Understanding Service Charges:

There’s a service charge associated with borrowing airtime through Airtel Extra Credit. The service charge is a percentage of the borrowed amount and is deducted upfront before you receive the airtime credit. Here’s a breakdown of the service charges for different loan amounts:

NOTE: Airtel Charges only 15% from your borrowed credit.

Airtime Loan (NGN)Value You Will Be Credited (NGN)Service Charge (Deducted)Amount You Pay Back (NGN)
25205 (15%)25
5042.57.5 (15%)50
1008515 (15%)100
20017030 (15%)200
50042575 (15%)500
1,000850150 (15%)1,000
2,0001,700300 (15%)2,000

Important Note:

  • The table reflects a standard 15% service charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Without Paying Back

Borrowing airtime without repayment is a bad idea. It’s unethical, hurts your credit, and could have legal consequences. Consider alternatives like calling a friend or using Wi-Fi calling apps. Borrow responsibly with Airtel Extra Credit if needed, but repay promptly.

New code to borrow airtime from Airtel

The new code to borrow airtime from Airtel in Nigeria is *303#. This code was implemented in May 2023 due to regulations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

How to borrow airtime from airtel online

Unfortunately, as of today, Airtel Nigeria doesn’t offer online borrowing of airtime through their website or MyAirtel App. Borrowing airtime with Airtel currently relies on USSD codes for initiating and managing loans.

Popup NG Conclusion On How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

Thanks for reading this guide on how to borrow airtime from Airtel! Airtel Extra Credit is a handy service that can help you stay connected during those unexpected moments when your airtime runs low. Remember, it’s perfect for emergencies like making an important call or sending a text, but it’s not a free service.

For continued access to Airtel Extra Credit, practice responsible borrowing and repay your loans promptly on your next recharge.

Do you know someone who uses Airtel and might benefit from this guide? Share it with them! Also, If you encounter any difficulties using Airtel Extra Credit, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll try our best to assist you.

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