Are you low on airtime and struggling to buy airtime because of network issues? Do not fret! This can happen to anyone. But you don’t have to worry again, as the article guides you through how to borrow airtime across all mobile networks in Nigeria.

 Notably, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) harmonized USSD codes for all mobile networks in the country in 2024 – MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile. Each network previously had unique ways of allowing users to borrow airtime, but that is now the past.

 Let’s walk you through the ways to borrow airtime from these networks.

 How To Borrow Airtime From Mobile Networks In Nigeria

Borrow airtime

 You can borrow airtime from mobile networks in Nigeria in different ways. These include using the USSD code, the network provider’s app, or through customer support agents. But you must link your NIN to your MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9Mobile line before you can be eligible to borrow airtime.

 How To Borrow Airtime From MTN

Borrow airtime

 You may need to confirm your eligibility on the MTN network before borrowing. Simply dial *301#, select “Amount” and choose “Eligibility Status.”

Borrow Airtime From MTN Using USSD Code

  • Dial *301#.
  • Choose the amount you want and confirm.
  • Your account will be credited with an SMS.

Borrow Airtime From MTN Using The MTN App

  • Log into the MTN App.
  • Click “Borrow” on the dashboard. You will then have the option to borrow airtime or data.
  • Choose “Airtime.”
  • Select the amount of airtime you want to borrow. MTN determines the amount based on your eligibility, which is based on account activity and airtime usage history.
  • Review the total amount and fee. Then click “Accept.”
  • You will receive a confirmation notification via SMS and in the app.

Borrow Airtime From MTN Via The Customer Support Agent

Dial “300” on your MTN line and follow the prompt or request to speak with a customer support agent to borrow airtime.

Note: MTN applies a 15% service charge to the borrowed amount, and both the borrowed amount and the service charge will be automatically deducted from your next recharge.

How To Borrow Airtime From Glo

Borrow airtime

Glo customers can borrow airtime using the USSD code or via the Glo Cafe App. To be eligible to borrow airtime, you must be an active Glo customer for at least four months.

Borrow Glo Airtime From Glo Using USSD Code

  • Dial *303#
  • Follow the prompt and choose the amount you want to borrow.
  • Your account will be credited with the borrowed amount.

Borrow Glo Airtime Via Glo Cafe App

  • Log into the Glo Cafe App.
  • Click “Show all” on the dashboard.
  • Choose “Borrow Me” from the displayed options.
  • Select the amount you want to borrow and click “Subscribe” to confirm the process.
  • You will receive a notification that your Glo line has been credited.

Note: Glo charges a 15% fee for any amount you borrow, payable on your next recharge.

How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel

Borrow airtime

Airtel customers can borrow airtime using the USSD code or the myAirtel app or by contacting the customer support agent. But you must be an active prepaid user for at least three (3) months and have recharged at least N200 a month. 

Borrow Airtel Airtime Using USSD

  • Dial *303#
  • Choose the “Borrow Credit” option.
  • Select the amount of Airtel airtime you want to borrow.

Borrow Airtel Airtime From myAirtel App

  • Log into the myAirtel App.
  • Click “Borrow Airtime” on the dashboard.
  • Choose the amount you want to borrow and click “Confirm.”
  • You will receive the airtime in your account after confirmation.

Borrow Airtel Airtime From Customer Support Agent

Dial “300” and follow the prompts to borrow airtime through Airtel’s customer support.

Note: Airtel deducts a 15% service charge from the borrowed amount, payable on your next recharge.

How To Borrow 9Mobile Airtime

Borrow airtime

As a 9Mobile customer, you can borrow airtime via the USSD and the 9Mobile App. To be eligible, you must have been an active user for at least three (3) months and have a minimum monthly recharge of N200.

Borrow 9Mobile Airtime Using USSD

  • Dial *303#
  • Follow the prompts and choose “Borrow Airtime.”
  • Choose the amount you want to borrow and confirm the transaction.
  • Your account will be credited with the borrowed amount.

Borrow 9Mobile Airtime Via The 9Mobile App

  • Log into the 9Mobile App.
  • Click the menu on the dashboard.
  • Choose “Borrow Airtime” under the “Services or Airtime Loan Section.”
  • Select the amount of 9Mobile airtime you want to borrow.
  • Review the details and click “Confirm.”
  • The borrowed airtime will appear in your account balance.

Note: You will be charged a 15% fee when you borrow 9mobile airtime, which you will pay on your next recharge.

How To Repay Borrowed Airtime On MTN, Glo, Airtel, And 9Mobile

Paying back the airtime you borrowed from your network provider is quite simple. The borrowed amount will automatically be deducted from your account after buying airtime.

For instance, when you borrow N1,000 worth of airtime, the system deducts the N1,000 from your account when you make a recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Borrowing Airtime From Mobile Networks In Nigeria

How Much Airtime Can I Borrow?

The amount of airtime you can borrow depends on your eligibility status with your network provider. For instance, while N100 is the maximum amount some customers can borrow, other customers may be able to borrow as much as N1,000.

Can I Borrow More Airtime If I Still Have An Outstanding?

This varies with the network provider. While MTN and 9Mobile enable their customers to borrow more airtime to cover their outstanding loans, Glo and Airtel require you to pay back the airtime you owe before applying for a new one.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay Back My Borrowed Airtime?

The penalty for refusing to repay your loaned airtime depends on the network provider. Glo customers are blocked with their credit rating reduced when they don’t pay back on time. Meanwhile, you can continue borrowing from MTN until you exceed your credit limit.

How Can I Borrow Data On MTN, Glo, Airtel, And 9Mobile?

Borrowing data is similar to borrowing airtime. If you are struggling to buy data, dial the USSD code *303# and follow the prompt to get data.

Conclusion

You don’t have to worry about running low on airtime with various steps highlighted in this article to enable you to borrow airtime from MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile. However, it is essential to check your eligibility status to know how much airtime you can borrow from your network provider.