Imagine trying to make an urgent call or send a text message only to hear the dreaded voice prompt from your network provider, “Dear customer, your account balance is too low for this call...”. We have all been there at some point, and it can be really frustrating, especially in emergencies.
Thankfully, most mobile networks understand this frustration, which is why they provide airtime loan services. This service, known as “Extra Credit”, “Borrow Me Credit”, “Xtra Time,” or “More Credit,” depending on which network provider you use, allows you to borrow airtime or credit and pay back during your next recharge.
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had directed all network providers to commence the implementation of approved harmonized short codes for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers. Before this initiative, each network provider had its own unique codes for airtime recharge, borrowing airtime, buying data, and so on. This means that you no longer need to memorize various codes for different mobile networks.
In this article, we will explore the various ways you can borrow airtime from MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile in 2025, including the eligibility requirements, borrowing limits, and associated charges.
How To Borrow Airtime From MTN
This service is known as MTN XtraTime, and you can borrow airtime using a USSD code, the MTN mobile app, or a customer service agent. However, before you can borrow airtime from MTN, you must meet a few eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a prepaid customer
- Your MTN SIM must be duly registered
- You must have been on the network for more than 3 months
- You must have spent at least N200 monthly for 3 months
- Your airtime balance should be between N0 and N75
- You must have no outstanding debt and a good payment history
To check if your MTN SIM is eligible to borrow airtime, you can do any of the following:
- Send “STATUS” to 303
- Dial 303 on your phone and follow the voice prompt
- Dial *303#, click on “My Account” and then choose the “Check Eligibility” option.
Borrow Airtime From MTN Using USSD Code
- Dial *303#
- Choose the amount you want to borrow
- Confirm your request
- You will receive a credit notification within a few minutes
- Alternatively, you can use a short code to borrow airtime by dialing the code and the amount you intend to borrow. For instance, if you want to borrow N200, dial *303*200#, confirm your request, and the amount will be credited.
Borrow Airtime From MTN Using Mobile App
To borrow airtime from Mtn using their mobile app, you must have the mobile app installed on your phone and follow the following steps:
- Log in to the MTN mobile app
- From the dashboard, select “Borrow”. You will be provided two options to choose from: either airtime or data
- Choose “Airtime”
- Select the amount of airtime you want to borrow.
- Confirm the amount and fee by tapping “Accept.”
- You will be notified on the app and also receive a confirmation message via sms.
Borrow Airtime From MTN Using 303 IVR
You can also borrow airtime from MTN using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR). To do this, simply follow the steps below:
- Dial 303 and select your preferred language
- After selecting your preferred language, you will be requested to select XtraTime or XtraByte. Select “XtraTime”.
- The system will play out all the amounts you can borrow and applicable service fees, select your preferred amount, and confirm
- After confirmation, the system will process your request, and you will be notified.
How To Borrow Airtime From GLO
Glo’s “Borrow Me Credit” allows customers to borrow airtime and pay later during their next recharge. They can do this using the USSD code or using the Glo Cafe App. To qualify for this service, Glo users must first meet the eligibility criteria
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a prepaid user
- You must have a registered GLO SIM
- You must have actively used your SIM card for a minimum of three months
- You must have a consistent usage history and regular recharge patterns
- You must have no outstanding recharge debt on your Glo SIM card
- Your sim card must be active and not barred
Borrow Airtime From Glo Using USSD Code
You can borrow airtime from glo by dialing the ussd code, and if you are eligible, you will be shown the available amounts to borrow. To do this, follow the steps below:
- On your glo line, dial *303#
- From the menu, choose “Borrow Credit” to see the amounts you qualify for.
- Select your desired amount.
- Your account will be credited, and you will receive a notification.
Borrow Airtime From Glo Using The Glo Cafe App
Alternatively, you can use the Glo Cafe app to borrow airtime, but it has to be installed on your mobile device. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Log in to the Glo Cafe App
- Navigate to the “Borrow” section.
- Select the amount you want to borrow
- Confirm the amount
- You will receive a confirmation message and get credited
How To Borrow Airtime From Airtel
Airtel customers can borrow airtime using Airtel’s “Extra Credit” service. They can borrow airtime using the USSD code or Airtel’s mobile app (myAirtel App). To enjoy this service, Airtel customers must fulfil the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a prepaid customer
- Your Airtel SIM must be registered
- You must have used your Airtel SIM for at least 3 months
- You should have a consistent recharge history
- You must have no outstanding debts on your Airtel SIM.
Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using USSD Code
Airtel’s USSD code used to be *500#, but not anymore. To borrow airtime from Airtel using USSD code, simply follow the steps below:
- Dial *303#
- Select the “Borrow Credit” option
- Choose your desired amount
- Confirm your request
- The required amount will be credited immediately
Borrow Airtime From Airtel Using myAirtel App
To borrow airtime from Airtel using the myAirtel App, you must have the app installed on your phone. With the app installed on your phone, follow the steps below:
- Log in to the myAirtel App
- From the dashboard, select “Borrow Airtime”.
- Choose the amount you want to borrow
- Confirm the amount
- The amount will be credited instantly
How To Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile
9mobile's More Credit service allows customers to borrow airtime using the 9mobile mobile app. To access this service, they must first meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be on a prepaid plan
- Your SIM must be duly registered
- You must have used your 9mobile sim for at least 3 months
- You must have a consistent average monthly recharge for the period of 3 months
- You must have paid off outstanding loans
Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile Using USSD Code.
Initially, you could borrow airtime from 9Mobile using *665#, but not anymore. To borrow airtime from 9Mobil,e simply follow the steps below:
- Dial *303#
- Select “Borrow Airtime”
- Choose the amount you want to borrow
- Confirm the amount
- Your account will be credited, and you will be notified.
Borrow Airtime From 9Mobile Using The Mobile App
To borrow airtime using the 9mobile app, you must first have the app installed on your mobile device. Then follow the steps below;
- Log into 9Mobile App (ig9ite)
- Tap on “Borrow Credit” or “Recharge” and then “Borrow Credit”
- Select the loan amount you want
- Confirm the amount
- You will receive your airtime instantly.
Airtime Loan Service Charge In Nigeria
| Network Provider | Service Name | Service Charge |
| MTN | XtraTime | 15% |
| GLO | Borrow Me Credit | 15% |
| Airtel | Extra Credit | 15% |
| 9Mobile | More Credit | 15% |
Conclusion
Communication doesn't have to end abruptly just because you ran out of airtime. Thankfully, most network providers in Nigeria offer airtime loan services, which allow you to borrow airtime. This service has become a lot more convenient thanks to the harmonized short code *303#. One key detail to note is that eligibility for this service is not automatic but it is earned through consistent use, a history of regular recharge, and a clean record of repaying outstanding loans.
