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Everyone runs out of airtime from time to time – it’s a given! But having a way to quickly get airtime, whether you have cash or not, can make the difference. Imagine trying to close a deal, get emergency help, or any other urgent scenario. Being able to borrow airtime is a perk that comes in handy in these cases.

MTN is one of the four major mobile operators in Nigeria. One of the many services it offers users is to borrow airtime when needed and repay later. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to borrow airtime from MTN. Whether you’re a prepaid MTN subscriber or curious about the borrowing process, read on to learn the steps and eligibility criteria.

Understanding MTN XtraTime Services

MTN XtraTime is a service that lets you borrow airtime from MTN when you’re low on airtime and maybe immediate cash to recharge. With MTN XtraTime, you can repay the borrowed airtime the next time you recharge. 

Another arm of this service called XtraByte lets you borrow data to continue browsing the internet uninterrupted after you’ve exhausted your data bundle.

Eligibility

To use the XtraTime service on MTN, you must fulfil certain conditions. They are:

  1. You must be a prepaid customer. Prepaid customers usually pay for the service before they use it.
  2. Your phone number must be registered.
  3. You must have been using the MTN network for at least 3 months.
  4. You must have a minimum spend of N200 for at least 3 months.
  5. Your main account balance must be between  N0 and N75.
  6. You must not have any outstanding XtraTime loan.

How to Borrow Airtime from MTN

As soon as you confirm that you’re eligible, you can borrow airtime in two ways.

  1. Using USSD codes
  2. Using the MyMTN app.

Here’s how to borrow airtime in simple steps:

Using USSD Codes

  1. On your phone dialpad, dial *303# and select XtraTime.
  2. Choose your preferred amount from the list displayed on your phone. 
  3. The system will display the mount you want to borrow and the fee for the loan. You’ll need to confirm the transaction.
  4. Upon confirmation, the system will deduct the transaction fee from the amount you borrowed and credit your XtraTime account with the balance.
  5. You’ll then receive a notification message that you have successfully borrowed airtime from MTN.

Note that you’ll have to repay your loan before you can borrow again.

Using the MyMTN app.

  1. Open your MyMTN app.
  2. On your dashboard, click More to open the full menu.
  3. Under Share & Borrow, select Borrow Airtime/Data.
  4. Tap the Airtime option and tap Proceed to choose amount.
  5. Choose the amount you want and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
  6. The system will deduct a service fee from the loan amount. Then your XtraTime account will be credited with the balance.

Note that the USSD codes to borrow airtime from MTN differ from country to country. MTN Xtratime service is available in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Uganda.

Conclusion

MTN is one of the major network providers in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. One of the services MTN offers is XtraTime which is the option to borrow airtime from MTN.

You can use USSD codes or your MTN app. The steps are quite easy and fast. Now, you can keep talking even if you don’t have cash.