How to Convert MTN Pulse Points to Data in Nigeria (2026 Guide)

MTN Pulse Points are one of the rewards available to customers on the MTN Pulse tariff plan. Instead of allowing your accumulated points to sit unused, you can redeem them for eligible data bundles and other Pulse data offers.

This is particularly useful if you have accumulated points from qualifying MTN activities and want to get extra data without spending additional airtime.

However, there is an important update to understand: MTN Pulse Points are not converted into cash or transferred to another person. They are used to redeem eligible data offers on your MTN line. MTN currently allows customers to redeem Pulse Points for selected daily, weekly and monthly data plans, as well as Pulse Stream and Nightlife bundles. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to check your MTN Pulse Points, how to convert them to data, the codes to use, which bundles qualify, whether you can combine points with airtime, and what happens to your points when you leave MTN Pulse.

What Are MTN Pulse Points?

MTN Pulse Points are rewards given to eligible customers on the MTN Pulse tariff plan when they perform certain qualifying activities.

According to MTN’s current information, Pulse customers can earn points through activities such as:

• First-time migration to the MTN Pulse tariff plan
• Activation of selected daily data plans
• Activation of selected weekly data plans
• Activation of selected monthly data plans
• Activation of the Pulse Stream bundle 

MTN has changed some aspects of the Pulse rewards system over time, so older articles may contain information that is no longer accurate.

For example, MTN’s current FAQ specifically says Pulse customers do not earn Pulse Points for making calls. 

So if you’re searching for an old article that says you automatically earn points whenever you make calls, don’t rely on it.

Can You Convert MTN Pulse Points to Data?

Yes.

But technically, you don’t “convert” the points into a separate data balance.

Instead, you redeem your Pulse Points to purchase eligible data bundles.

MTN states that Pulse Points can be used to redeem:

• Daily Data plans
• Weekly Data plans
• Monthly Data plans
• Pulse Stream bundles
• Nightlife bundles 

You can use your points alone when you have enough, or combine your Pulse Points with airtime for eligible bundles.

How to Check Your MTN Pulse Points Balance

Before redeeming your points, you should first check how many you have.

Dial:

*406*7#

Your available Pulse Points balance should be displayed.

MTN currently lists *406*7# as the code for checking your Pulse Points balance. 

You can also receive notifications whenever you earn new Pulse Points. MTN says customers receive a notification for every point received. 

How to Convert MTN Pulse Points to Data

There are currently two main ways to redeem your points for eligible data bundles: USSD and SMS.

Method 1: Redeem Pulse Points With USSD

Dial:

*406*7#

Follow the options displayed on your screen to select an eligible data bundle and redeem it with your Pulse Points.

MTN also states that Pulse Points can be redeemed through:

*312#

depending on the available data bundle options presented to you. 

The exact menu displayed may change as MTN updates its services, so follow the current prompts on your screen rather than relying on an old menu number.

Method 2: Redeem Pulse Points Through SMS

MTN also allows eligible data bundles to be purchased using SMS keywords.

For example, MTN currently gives:

104 to 312

as an example of a data-bundle keyword that can be redeemed using Pulse Points. 

Because different bundles have different keywords, you should use the keyword associated with the particular data bundle you want to redeem.

Can You Use Pulse Points and Airtime Together?

Yes.

This is one of the useful features of the Pulse Points system.

If you don’t have enough Pulse Points to cover the entire cost of an eligible data bundle, you may be able to combine your points with airtime.

MTN confirms that customers can redeem eligible bundles using:

Pulse Points only

or

Pulse Points + Airtime. 

For example, imagine an eligible data bundle costs ₦1,500 and you have enough points to cover ₦500 worth of the bundle.

If you select the Pulse Points + Airtime option, MTN will use your available points first and charge the remaining amount to your airtime.

MTN gives a similar example in its current FAQ: if a customer has 500 Pulse Points and ₦1,500 airtime and chooses a ₦1,500 bundle, the 500 points are deducted first and ₦1,000 is taken from the main airtime account. 

What Happens If You Have Enough Points and Airtime?

If you choose the Pulse Points + Airtime option and have enough of both, MTN says the points have higher priority.

In other words, your Pulse Points are deducted first.

This is useful if you’re trying to use up your accumulated points instead of spending your airtime.

What If You Don’t Have Enough Pulse Points?

You don’t necessarily have to wait until you accumulate enough points for a complete bundle.

If the bundle supports the Pulse Points + Airtime option, your points will be deducted first and your airtime will cover the remaining cost.

However, make sure you select the correct payment option.

MTN says that if you choose Airtime Only but don’t have enough airtime, the purchase will fail—even if you have sufficient Pulse Points. 

So if you want to use your points, don’t accidentally select an airtime-only option.

What Data Bundles Can You Buy With Pulse Points?

MTN currently allows Pulse Points to be redeemed for several categories of data offers.

Daily Data Bundles

You can use eligible Pulse Points to redeem selected daily data bundles.

The exact bundles available can change, so check the current options through MTN’s USSD menu.

Weekly Data Bundles

Pulse Points can also be used toward eligible weekly data plans.

This can be useful if you have accumulated a significant number of points and want more data rather than a small daily bundle.

Monthly Data Bundles

MTN also lists selected monthly data plans as eligible for Pulse Point redemption. 

Pulse Stream Bundle

Pulse Points can be used to purchase the 1GB Pulse Stream bundle, which MTN currently lists at ₦300 and with a validity of 3 days. 

The Pulse Stream bundle is designed for selected entertainment and social platforms, including:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Snapchat
• Audiomack
• Boomplay
• Mdundo 

Nightlife Bundles

Pulse Points can also be used for eligible MTN Pulse Nightlife bundles.

MTN currently lists a 500MB Nightlife bundle for ₦75, with customers able to purchase up to 2GB. 

Can Pulse Points Be Used to Buy the 1.2GB Pulse Bundle?

Yes, MTN currently states that its special Pulse data bundles can be purchased using Pulse Points or a combination of Pulse Points and airtime.

The current special bundles include:

750MB + up to 1 hour of Instagram/YouTube/TikTok access — ₦450, valid for 2 days

and

1.2GB + up to 1 hour of Instagram/YouTube/TikTok access — ₦750, valid for 7 days. 

MTN says these special bundles can be purchased using Pulse Points or Pulse Points plus airtime. 

Can You Transfer MTN Pulse Points to Another Number?

No.

Pulse Points are not transferable to another person.

MTN specifically states that customers cannot transfer their Pulse Points to family members, friends or other loved ones. 

You also cannot use your points to gift data to another person.

MTN says Pulse Points, or a combination of Pulse Points and airtime, cannot be used for data gifting. 

So the points belong to your eligible MTN line and must be used on that line.

Can You Convert Pulse Points to Airtime?

No.

Pulse Points aren’t a cash balance that you can exchange for airtime.

Their purpose is to redeem eligible MTN Pulse data-related offers.

MTN currently describes Pulse Points as a reward that can be exchanged for free data and other eligible Pulse bundles—not cash or airtime. 

Do Pulse Points Expire?

Yes.

MTN’s current Pulse FAQ states that Pulse Points are valid for one calendar year.

Any unused points are cleared when they expire. 

This means you shouldn’t accumulate points indefinitely.

If you have a significant balance, it makes sense to check the expiry information associated with your points and redeem them before they are cleared.

What Happens to Your Pulse Points If You Leave MTN Pulse?

This is extremely important.

You lose your accumulated Pulse Points if you migrate out of the MTN Pulse tariff plan.

MTN explicitly states that customers cannot use their Pulse Points after migrating away from Pulse. 

So if you have accumulated a large number of points and you’re considering switching to another MTN tariff plan, redeem your points first.

Otherwise, you risk losing them.

Can You Get Pulse Points Again If You Return to MTN Pulse?

Not necessarily.

MTN states that if you were previously on Pulse, migrated away and later returned to Pulse, you will not receive the Pulse Points associated with first-time migration again. 

This is another reason to understand the consequences before migrating away from Pulse.

Do You Earn Pulse Points Every Time You Buy Data?

Not every data purchase necessarily earns points.

MTN says Pulse Points are awarded for selected data plans, including selected daily, weekly and monthly plans, as well as the Pulse Stream bundle. 

The exact rewards can depend on the qualifying offer.

So don’t assume that every data bundle you purchase will automatically add points to your account.

Do You Earn Points When You Make Calls?

According to MTN’s current information, no.

MTN specifically states that Pulse customers do not receive Pulse Points for making calls from their lines. 

This is worth highlighting because older articles about MTN Pulse may say otherwise.

If you’re researching how to earn Pulse Points in 2026, use MTN’s current information rather than relying on older blog posts.

Do You Earn Points When Using Bonus Airtime?

No.

MTN says you will not receive Pulse Points for calls made from bonus accounts. 

The Pulse Points system is based on qualifying activities rather than simply every action performed on an MTN line.

Do You Earn More Pulse Points When You Redeem Points?

No.

MTN states that you will not receive additional Pulse Points when you activate a data plan using Pulse Points.

You also won’t receive points when you use a combination of Pulse Points and airtime to purchase a bundle. 

So redeeming your points does not create another cycle of rewards.

How to Make the Most of MTN Pulse Points

If you’re actively collecting Pulse Points, there are a few things worth remembering.

Check Your Points Regularly

Dial:

*406*7#

to see your current balance. 

Redeem Before They Expire

Pulse Points have a one-calendar-year validity period, so don’t leave them unused indefinitely. 

Redeem Before Migrating Away

If you’re thinking about moving from Pulse to another MTN tariff plan, use your points first.

You lose them when you migrate out of Pulse. 

Consider Combining Points With Airtime

You don’t always need enough points to cover an entire bundle.

If an eligible bundle supports the points-and-airtime option, you can use your points first and pay the remaining amount with airtime. 

Check the Current Pulse Offers

MTN’s Pulse offers can change.

Its current Pulse service includes special data bundles such as 750MB for ₦450 and 1.2GB for ₦750, alongside the Pulse Stream and Nightlife options. 

Before redeeming your points, check the options currently displayed on MTN’s USSD menu or myMTN app.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the code to check MTN Pulse Points?

Dial *406*7# to check your Pulse Points balance. 

How do I convert MTN Pulse Points to data?

Dial *406*7# and follow the available redemption options, or use eligible data-bundle keywords through SMS to 312. MTN also lists *312# as a channel for redeeming eligible bundles. 

Can I use Pulse Points to buy data?

Yes. MTN allows Pulse Points to redeem eligible daily, weekly and monthly data bundles, as well as Pulse Stream and Nightlife bundles. 

Can I combine Pulse Points with airtime?

Yes. For eligible bundles, you can use Pulse Points and airtime together. MTN deducts Pulse Points first and uses airtime to cover the remaining amount when necessary. 

Can I transfer Pulse Points to another MTN number?

No. Pulse Points cannot be transferred to friends, family or other MTN customers. 

Can I use Pulse Points to gift data?

No. MTN does not allow Pulse Points or Pulse Points plus airtime to be used for data gifting. 

Can I convert Pulse Points to airtime?

No. Pulse Points are intended for redemption of eligible data and Pulse offers, not conversion into airtime.

Do Pulse Points expire?

Yes. MTN states that Pulse Points are valid for one calendar year, after which unused points are cleared. 

Will I lose my Pulse Points if I leave MTN Pulse?

Yes. MTN states that you lose your Pulse Points when you migrate away from the Pulse tariff plan. 

Do I earn Pulse Points when I make calls?

No. MTN’s current Pulse FAQ says customers do not earn Pulse Points for making calls. 

Do I earn Pulse Points when I redeem points for data?

No. MTN says you don’t receive additional points when purchasing data with Pulse Points or with Pulse Points plus airtime. 

Final Thoughts

MTN Pulse Points can be a useful way to get additional data without paying the full cost from your airtime balance.

The process is simple: check your points with *406*7#, choose an eligible data bundle, and redeem your points through the available USSD or SMS option. MTN also allows you to combine Pulse Points with airtime when you don’t have enough points to cover the entire bundle. 

However, there are a few rules you should remember.

Pulse Points cannot be transferred, cannot be used for data gifting, and cannot be converted into cash or ordinary airtime. They also expire after one calendar year, and you lose your accumulated points if you migrate away from MTN Pulse. 

For the best value, check your Pulse Points balance regularly and redeem them before they expire—especially if you’re considering changing your MTN tariff plan.

MTN’s Pulse offerings can change, so always check the current options shown through *406#, *312#, the myMTN NG app, or MTN’s official website before redeeming your points.