How to Borrow Airtime or Data from MTN in 3 Easy Steps

Staying connected is important, and many times, we find ourselves out of airtime or data when we need it most. If you have ever found yourself in this situation, then you are not alone. That is where knowing how to borrow airtime from MTN or how to borrow data from MTN comes in.

If you are an MTN user, good for you because MTN makes it very easy to lend airtime or data when you run out. Be it how to borrow airtime from MTN or how to borrow data from MTN, the process is very straightforward.

This will only require you to dial the right code and, in seconds, get the airtime or data that you need. We will take you through the steps in this article so that you are never disconnected.

You will learn the code to borrow airtime from MTN and the code to borrow data on MTN, making sure you are always prepared—much ahead, even when your balance hits zero.

So, let’s dive in and show you how to lend some airtime or data from MTN within only three easy steps!

1Overview of MTN XtraTime and MTN XtraByte

2How Much Can You Borrow From MTN?

3What are the Eligibility Requirements for Borrowing Airtime Or Data From MTN?

4How to Borrow Airtime or Data from MTN: 3 Easy Steps

5How to Borrow Airtime or Data from MTN Using USSD

6How to Borrow Data or Airtime from MTN Using IVR

7How to Borrow Airtime or Data Using the MTN App

8How Can You Repay Airtime or Data Borrowed From MTN?

9Final Thoughts

10Frequently Asked Questions

11Reference

12Recommendations

Overview of MTN XtraTime and MTN XtraByte

MTN XtraTime and MTN XtraByte are lifelines specially designed for moments when a subscriber is low on airtime or data. XtraTime is a service that allows one to borrow airtime, while XtraByte is for data.

To access XtraTime, you can use the code to borrow airtime from MTN. It is extra airtime given to customers by MTN, for which they pay back when they recharge their lines.

While the code to borrow data on MTN gives extra data to be used in browsing.

Both are meant to keep you going at times when you need them most. However, the important thing one needs to remember is that it is loan money and does carry terms and conditions with it.

How Much Can You Borrow From MTN?

As we said earlier, MTN has two kinds of loans: airtime loans and data loans. The amount that one can borrow over the MTN platform is not any they would like.

Having its biggest MTN subscriber base in Africa, the least amount one can borrow from MTN Nigeria is ₦25. Of course, to borrow more, one would have to build some credit by recharging more, so you might then be able to borrow a bit more.

Making frequent use of the XtraTime service is how you accomplish this. MTN will allow you to borrow additional airtime the next time you repay your debts in full. In the case of data loans, what you can loan is pegged against how much data you use and how well you’ve paid back loans in the past.

The more airtime or data you credit your phone within a month, the more airtime you can borrow when you need it. So, don’t expect MTN to allow you to loan ₦500 or more when you need it if all you do is to credit your phone with an average of ₦200 a month.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Borrowing Airtime Or Data From MTN?

MTN offers its subscribers financial reprieve by way of XtraTime, airtime borrowing, and XtraByte, data borrowing.

Before delving into the knowledge of how to borrow airtime from MTN or how to borrow Data from MTN, not all subscribers are qualified.

To be able to enjoy these services, you usually have to meet the following criteria:

For XtraTime (Airtime Borrowing)

Prepaid customer: You must be an MTN prepaid customer.

Registered SIM: You must have a registered SIM. That is, your SIM card should be duly registered with your details.

Network Tenure: An amount of time you have spent on the MTN network may be required, usually 3 months.

Consistent Spending: You are often expected to spend up to a minimum amount, say N200, in buying airtime for a stipulated period. This period is usually 3 months.

Account Balance: Your main account should have a very low balance, usually between N0 and N75.

Loan repayment history: You should have a clean record of paying back previous XtraTime loans.

Age restriction: The borrower is expected to be of legal age, typically 18 years or older.

For XtraByte [Data Borrowing]

Prepaid customer: You must be on an MTN prepaid line.
Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by MTN about how you use your device and based on factors such as your creditworthiness.

You stand a better chance of being eligible to borrow airtime or data from MTN upon meeting these requirements.

Also Read – How to Borrow Money From SmartCash in Nigeria | A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Borrow Airtime or Data from MTN: 3 Easy Steps

You can borrow MTN airtime or data as an instant and easy way to remain connected while running out of credit.

Whether it is an urgent call, a message you need to send, or going back online, MTN enables you to borrow airtime in just a few steps.

Here, we will guide you through three easy steps on how to borrow airtime from MTN and how to borrow MTN data using the right code to borrow MTN airtime and the code to borrow MTN data, so that one stays connected without a break.

How to Borrow Airtime or Data from MTN Using USSD

MTN operates in 16 African countries, all of which have varied USSD codes. We will run examples of five countries where MTN holds the highest number of subscribers: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda; and present step-by-step guides on how to loan airtime and data using USSd codes in each market.

Borrowing Airtime from MTN in Nigeria

Dial *303# and select “XtraTime.”
Select how much you would like to borrow.
Confirm the transaction. In addition to the amount that you have selected, you will be charged a service fee.
You will receive the airtime instantly.

Borrowing Data from MTN in Nigeria

Dial *303# and select “XtraByte.”
Choose your preferred data plan.
Confirm the transaction. In addition to the amount selected, you will also be charged a service fee.
You will receive data instantly.

Note: On your next recharge, 15% of the amount will be deducted as the service charge from your main account.

Borrowing Airtime from MTN in Ghana

Dial *506# and select “XtraTime.”
Select the amount of loan you want.
Verify the transaction, including the cost of the service.
You will be credited instantly with the airtime.

Borrowing Data from MTN in Ghana

Dial *506# and select “Data Advance.”
Select your desired data plan
Confirm the transaction including the service fee
Data will be credited to you instantly.

Note: You can borrow from 15MB, valid for one day, to a maximum of 1GB, valid for one day.

Borrowing Airtime from MTN in South Africa

Dial *136*2# or *151#, then select “Airtime Advance.”
Then, select your loan amount.
Confirm the transaction and the service fee associated with it.
The airtime will be credited to you immediately.

Borrowing Data from MTN in South Africa

Dial *136*2# or *151#, then select “Data Advance.”
Select your data plan.
Confirm the transaction and the service fee.
Your purchased data will be credited to your account instantly.

Additional Option: You can convert MTN XtraTime airtime to data by dialing *136*6# and following the prompts. Your next recharge will be reduced by the amount.

How to Borrow Airtime from MTN in Kenya

Dial *131# and select “Mkopo wa Muda.”
Select the amount of airtime to borrow
Confirm the transaction, including the service fee
You will receive airtime instantly

Borrowing Data from MTN in Kenya

Dial *131# and select “Data Mipaka”
Select your preferred data bundle
Confirm the transaction, including the service fee
You will receive the data instantly

How to Borrow Airtime from MTN in Uganda

Dial *146# and select “XtraTime”
Choose the amount of airtime to borrow
Confirm the transaction, including the service fee.
MTN will credit your airtime instantly.

Borrowing Data from MTN in Uganda

Dial *146#.
Choose your preferred data plan.
Confirm the transaction, including the service fee.
MTN will credit the data to your account immediately.

How to Borrow Data or Airtime from MTN Using IVR

If your balance is low, you can do one of two actions: either you do this or you immediately receive a response when you try to call someone to borrow additional credit stating that your balance is too low for this call.

You will get a prompt to choose a voice language when you dial 303.

Once you select the language you prefer, you will then have to choose either XtraTime or XtraByte.

The system will then play out all of the airtime quantities that you can borrow when you pick XtraTime.

Then, from the list, you can choose the quantity that you want.

The system will announce the amount you are about to borrow and the appropriate service charge when you select the required amount, allowing you to complete the transaction.

After confirming a transaction, the system will charge you for the service fee, credit your XtraTime account with the resultant airtime balance, and will also send you a success notification message.

Note: A 15% service fee will apply to each loan amount.

How to Borrow Airtime or Data Using the MTN App

MTN has an app called MyMTN, available either at the Google Play store or the Apple Store. You can do much with MTN services using this app: manage subscriptions, and tariff plans, buy, send, and even borrow airtime and data bundles.

To be able lend airtime from the MyMTN app by simply following these easy steps:

Open the App: Download and install the MyMTN app from the Google Play or Apple Store, then open it on your device.

Access Recharge Menu: Tap the menu at the bottom of your screen and select “Recharge” from the options.

Choose Borrow Option: Tap “Borrow” from the recharge menu and select your favorite loan option.

Confirm Loan: Carefully read through the loan details, then click “Proceed” to confirm this loan.

Get Airtime: It will just take a moment to process the loan, after which MTN will credit you the airtime.

You can follow these easy steps to loan airtime using the MyMTN App and stay connected on the go!

Also Read – How to Borrow Money From Cash App in Nigeria | A Step-by-Step Guide

How Can You Repay Airtime or Data Borrowed From MTN?

The repayment of the airtime or data is very easy and not complicated at all. This is how to repay:

Repay airtime: Simply top up your MTN account, and MTN will deduct the amount plus a service fee from your next airtime recharge.

Data Repayment: Just recharge your MTN account with data; MTN will deduct the amount plus its service fee from your next data recharge.

Bank Payment: A customer may also, at will, repay any borrowed airtime or data through bank payment available on MTN bank payment channels.

With those easy steps, everyone can refund their borrowed airtime or data from MTN and keep a clean record of borrowing.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to borrow airtime from MTN or how to borrow data from MTN is very key to staying connected when one’s out of credit.

Only by dialing the code to borrow MTN airtime or using the code to borrow data on MTN, will you be able to top up your account in only three easy steps. Be it for quick chatting or browsing, MTN has made it seamless to get what one wants without sweat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I borrow data or airtime if I already have a loan?

No, You can’t borrow airtime or data while having an existing loan. MTN only allows a customer to borrow airtime or data when there is no outstanding loan on their account.

How to check your borrowable amount?

Dial *303# or use the MyMTN app. You will see your borrowable amount. After that, you can decide how much you wish to borrow.

Can I borrow airtime or data if I’m roaming?

No, borrowing is available only for active MTN subscribers in the home network. You cannot borrow airtime or data while roaming.

What if I do not pay for the borrowed airtime or data?

Nonpayment of borrowed airtime or data will affect further borrowing with extra charges, thereby affecting your borrowing ability in the future. MTN may further take action to recover the debt; hence, it is essential to repay the borrowed amounts on time.