Running low on airtime and need a quick top-up? Airtel, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications networks, offers a convenient solution: airtime borrowing or better still Airtel Extra Credit Service. This service allows you to access credit when your airtime balance is insufficient, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll equip you with a comprehensive step-by-step process on how to borrow airtime from Airtel easily and efficiently. We will explore all the available methods for borrowing airtime, ensuring that you have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Welcome to Telepop.com.ng, your trusted source for accurate information regarding Telecom, Banking & Tech solutions across Africa.
Be rest assured that this guide will provide answers to the following related searches below:
- How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel
- How to borrow airtime from Airtel 2024
- How to borrow airtime from Airtel Nigeria
- How to borrow airtime from airtel to mtn
- How to borrow airtime from MTN
- How to borrow airtime from airtel for free
- How to borrow airtime from airtel online
What is Airtel XtraTime (or Airtel Extra Credit)?
Airtel XtraTime, also known as Airtel Extra Credit, is a convenient service provided by Airtel that allows prepaid users to borrow airtime when they have insufficient balance. This feature ensures that you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues without interruptions, even when your account balance runs low. Here’s how it works:
- Instant Access: Airtel XtraTime provides users with immediate access to additional airtime, allowing them to make calls or send messages without needing to recharge their account.
- Flexible Amounts: Users can borrow various amounts of airtime, typically ranging from a minimum to a maximum limit, depending on their usage and account history.
- Repayment: The borrowed airtime is automatically deducted from your next recharge or balance refill, making it easy to manage without worrying about manual repayments.
- No Hassle: The service is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those who are not tech-savvy can easily borrow airtime through various methods such as USSD codes, the Airtel app, SMS, or customer care.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria for Borrowing Airtime on Airtel
To borrow airtime using the Airtel XtraTime service, users must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the key points to consider:
- Active Prepaid Account: The user must have an active Airtel prepaid account to qualify for the XtraTime service.
- Minimum account age: Your Airtel account must be at least 90 days old.
- Positive account balance: While your current balance might be low, you should have a positive account balance history.
- No outstanding debt: You must not have any outstanding debts or unpaid bills with Airtel.
- Sufficient credit limit: Airtel assigns a credit limit to each eligible subscriber. You can only borrow up to your assigned limit.
Important Things to Consider Before Borrowing Airtime on Airtel
- Service Charge Deduction: When you borrow airtime through Airtel, you will receive only 85% of the amount you requested. The remaining 15% is deducted as a service fee, which is automatically applied to your account.
- Loan Amount Variability: The amount of airtime you can borrow varies based on your customer profile. This includes considerations such as your duration as an Airtel user and the frequency of your recharges. Available loan amounts include:
- ₦25
- ₦50
- ₦100
- ₦200
- ₦500
- ₦1,000
- ₦2,000
- Automatic Repayment of Loans: Once you recharge your line, the borrowed airtime amount, along with the applicable service fee, will be automatically deducted from your new balance without any prior notification.
- Age Requirement: To use the Airtel Xtra Credit service, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Non-Transferability of Borrowed Airtime: Any airtime borrowed through Airtel’s Extra Credit service cannot be transferred using the Airtel Share and Sell feature.
- Usage of Borrowed Airtime: The airtime you borrow can be utilized for any chargeable service on the Airtel network. This includes making calls, sending SMS, and using data services.
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel
Airtel offers several convenient methods for users to borrow airtime, ensuring that they remain connected even when their balance runs low. Users can quickly access the Airtel XtraTime service through
- Using SMS Services
- Via Airtel App
- Using the USSD Code
- Through Customer Care
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using SMS Services
Borrowing airtime via SMS is a straightforward and quick process. Here’s how to do it:
Steps:
- Open Your Messaging App:
- Navigate to your default messaging application on your mobile phone.
- Compose a New Message:
- In the message body, type the amount of airtime you wish to borrow. Ensure you enter the amount only, with no other text.
- Examples of amounts you can borrow include:
- 50 for ₦50
- 100 for ₦100
- 200 for ₦200
- 400 for ₦400
- 500 for ₦500
- 750 for ₦750
- 1500 for ₦1500
- 2000 for ₦3000
- Send the Message:
- Send the message to 303.
- Receive Confirmation:
- You will receive a confirmation SMS indicating the airtime amount borrowed and the applicable service fee that will be deducted upon your next recharge.
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Via Airtel App
The Airtel app provides an easy and efficient way to borrow airtime directly from your smartphone.
Steps:
- Download the Airtel App:
- If you haven’t already, download the Airtel App from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
- Open the App and Log In:
- Launch the Airtel App and log in using your Airtel phone number and OTP for verification. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by following the on-screen instructions.
- Navigate to XtraTime:
- Once logged in, look for the XtraTime or Borrow Airtime section. This may be located on the home screen or in the menu options.
- Select Borrow Airtime:
- Tap on the option to borrow airtime. You will see different amounts available for borrowing.
- Choose Your Amount:
- Select the amount of airtime you wish to borrow from the options provided.
- Confirm Your Request:
- After selecting the desired amount, confirm your request. You will see a summary of the borrowed amount and the service fee.
- Receive Notification:
- The borrowed airtime will be credited to your account almost immediately. You’ll receive a notification detailing the amount borrowed and any applicable fees.
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using the USSD Code
USSD is one of the fastest ways to borrow airtime, but it is important to note that the previous code *500# is no longer valid.
Steps:
- Dial the USSD Code:
- Open your phone dialer and dial *303#.
- Follow On-Screen Prompts:
- After dialing, follow the on-screen prompts. You will see a list of available loan amounts.
- Select Your Loan Amount:
- Choose the amount of airtime you wish to borrow by responding to the prompts with the corresponding number.
- Confirm Your Selection:
- Review your selection and confirm the request.
- Receive Confirmation:
- Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation message with details of the borrowed airtime and the service fee that will be deducted upon your next recharge.
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel Through Customer Care
If you prefer a personal touch, you can borrow airtime by contacting Airtel’s customer care.
Steps:
- Dial Customer Care Numbers:
- From your Airtel line, call any of the toll-free customer care numbers:
- 300
- 131
- 743
- 133
- 367
- 2020
- 800
- From your Airtel line, call any of the toll-free customer care numbers:
- Calling from Another Phone:
- If you’re using a different phone or calling from abroad, dial:
- +234 8021500300
- +234 8021500743
- +234 8021502020
- +234 8021520800
- If you’re using a different phone or calling from abroad, dial:
- Speak with a Customer Care Agent:
- Once connected, inform the customer care representative that you wish to borrow airtime. They will guide you through the process.
- Provide Necessary Information:
- You may need to provide your phone number and confirm your identity. The agent will then process your request.
- Receive Confirmation:
- You will receive confirmation of the borrowed airtime amount, along with details regarding any service fees.
How to Repay Airtel Airtime Loan
Repaying an Airtel airtime loan is a simple and automatic process. Whenever you recharge your Airtel line, the amount you borrowed (plus the service fee) is automatically deducted from your account balance. There’s no need for you to manually initiate the repayment process.
Here’s how the repayment works:
Repayment Table Breakdown
The following table shows the amount you will receive when borrowing airtime from Airtel, the service fee deducted, and the total amount you need to pay back.
| Airtime Loan (₦) | Service Charge (15%) (₦) | Value You Will Be Credited (₦) | Amount You Pay Back (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 5 | 20 | 25 |
| 50 | 7.5 | 42.5 | 50 |
| 100 | 15 | 85 | 100 |
| 200 | 30 | 170 | 200 |
| 500 | 75 | 425 | 500 |
| 1,000 | 150 | 850 | 1,000 |
| 2,000 | 300 | 1,700 | 2,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel
How Do I Borrow Airtime from Airtel?
To borrow airtime from Airtel, you can use multiple methods such as SMS, USSD code, Airtel App, or by contacting customer care. For example, via USSD, simply dial *303#, select the amount you want to borrow, and confirm your choice.
What Is the Minimum Amount of Airtime I Can Borrow?
The minimum amount you can borrow from Airtel is ₦25, though the availability of loan amounts may depend on your usage profile.
Is There a Service Charge for Borrowing Airtime?
Yes, Airtel charges a 15% service fee on all airtime loans. For instance, if you borrow ₦100, only ₦85 will be credited to your account, while ₦15 is deducted as a service charge.
How Do I Repay the Airtime Loan?
The repayment of the airtime loan is automatic. Once you recharge your line, the borrowed amount (plus the service fee) is deducted from your balance. You don’t need to take any manual action.
Can I Transfer Borrowed Airtime?
No, you cannot transfer borrowed airtime. The airtime you borrow through Airtel’s XtraTime service is not transferable using the Airtel Share and Sell feature.
What Can I Use Borrowed Airtime For?
Borrowed airtime can be used for any Airtel services, including making calls, sending SMS, and using data. It is applicable to any chargeable activity on the Airtel network.
Is There a Limit on How Much Airtime I Can Borrow?
The amount of airtime you can borrow depends on your customer profile, including factors like how long you’ve been an Airtel customer and your recharge history.
Telepop NG Conclusion On How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel
Thank you for taking the time to read this article on How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel. We hope it has provided you with a clear and comprehensive guide on the different methods available, including borrowing via SMS, USSD, the Airtel App, and customer care. We also covered important details about eligibility, service charges, and repayment processes.
As a quick recap, borrowing airtime on Airtel is a convenient solution when you’re out of credit. However, we encourage you to use this service responsibly to avoid unnecessary charges.
If you found this guide helpful, please feel free to share it with others who might benefit from it. Sharing it with your friends and family who use Airtel could make a difference in their time of need. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and we will be happy to assist you further.
For those who may face challenges in borrowing airtime or have any related issues, we are here to offer support. You can also follow our channel on WhatsApp to stay updated on more tech, telecom, and internet connectivity tips and news.