How to Borrow Airtime From MTN in Nigeria

Are you in dire need of airtime and don’t know what to do? Look no further, as we bring you the solution you’ve been searching for. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps on how to borrow airtime from MTN, one of the leading mobile network providers. Say goodbye to the hassle of running out of airtime, and say hello to uninterrupted communication with MTN’s convenient borrowing feature.

About MTN

MTN, or Mobile Telecommunications Network, is a popular telecommunications provider that has operations in many nations in Africa and the Middle East. Thanks to its enormous network coverage and cutting-edge services, it has established itself as a household name in the telecoms sector.

MTN provides its customers with voice calls, SMS, mobile data, mobile banking, value-added services, and many other services. Customers can select from various postpaid and prepaid plans suited to their requirements and financial situation.

In addition to its core services, MTN has introduced various digital initiatives and products to enhance the customer experience. These include mobile apps for managing accounts and services, mobile money platforms for financial transactions, and content platforms for music, videos, and news.

What Is MTN Xtratime

The Xtratime is an airtime advance service by MTN that allows customers to borrow airtime when they run out of airtime and allows them to repay on their next recharge. It is available to prepaid customers in most MTN markets.

To borrow airtime using MTN Xtratime, you can dial 606# from your MTN phone or use the MTN app. You will be asked to select the amount of airtime you want to borrow and enter your MTN PIN. You will then receive a confirmation message from MTN and the airtime will be credited to your account.

Eligibility To Borrow From MTN

If you want to become a Prepaid customer, here’s what you need to do:

  1. First, make sure you have already registered your phone number.
  2. You should have been using the MTN network for more than three months.
  3. Make sure you have spent at least N200 every month for the past three months.
  4. Check your main account balance and make sure it’s between N0 and N75.
  5. Lastly, ensure that you have paid off any outstanding XtraTime loan requests.

How To Borrow Airtime From Mtn With USsd Code

To borrow airtime using the XtraTime service, follow these simple steps:

  1. Pick up your phone and dial *303#.
  2. From the options that appear on your screen, select “XtraTime.”
  3. You will see a list of different amounts you can borrow. Choose the amount that you prefer.
  4. After choosing the amount you want to borrow, the system will give you a message confirming the amount you are about to borrow.
  5. Once you are sure about the transaction, confirm it by following the instructions provided in the message.
  6. The system will deduct the service fee from the borrowed amount and credit your XtraTime account with the remaining airtime balance.
  7. Shortly after, you will receive a notification message confirming the success of the transaction.

How To Borrow Airtime From Mtn With Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

Here’s how you can borrow airtime using the XtraTime service:

  1. Dial the number 303 on your phone.
  2. The system will greet you and give you an announcement to select your preferred language. You can choose between English, Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba.
  3. Once you’ve selected your preferred language, the system will ask you to choose between XtraTime or XtraByte. Select XtraTime for airtime borrowing.
  4. The system will then play a list of available airtime amounts that you can borrow.
  5. Listen carefully to the options and select the amount you want to borrow from the provided list.
  6. After selecting your preferred amount, the system will play an announcement confirming the amount you are about to borrow and the applicable service fee.
  7. Take a moment to listen to the details and ensure they are correct.
  8. If you’re satisfied with the transaction, follow the system’s instructions to confirm it.
  9. The system will deduct the service fee from the borrowed amount and credit the remaining airtime balance to your XtraTime account.
  10. Soon after, you will receive a notification message confirming the success of the transaction.
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How can I check if I am eligible to Borrow from MTN?

To check if you are eligible for the XtraTime service, you have a few options:

Dial *303# and follow these steps:

  1. Dial *303# on your phone.
  2. A menu will appear on your screen. Select “My Account” by entering the corresponding number, usually ‘1’.
  3. In the next menu, you will find an option to check eligibility. Select it by entering the corresponding number.
  4. The system will then process your request and inform you if you are eligible for the XtraTime service.

Send an SMS with the keyword “STATUS” to the number 303.

  1. First, open the messaging app on your phone and create a new message.
  2. Type this keyword “STATUS” in the message body you want to send.
  3. Send the message to the number 303.
  4. You will receive a response message indicating whether you are eligible for the XtraTime service or not.

Dial the number 303 and follow the voice prompt:

  1. Dial the number 303 on your phone.
  2. Listen carefully to the voice prompt that follows.
  3. The system will guide you through the process and confirm if you are eligible for the XtraTime service.

How To Check Your Xtratime Account Balance

To check your account balance, you have multiple options available:

  • From the *303# menu on your phone, follow these steps:
    • Dial *303# on your phone.
    • Select “My Account” by entering the corresponding number, usually ‘2’.
    • In the next menu, select the option to view your account balance. Enter the corresponding number, usually ‘2’.
    • The system will process your request, and your account balance will be displayed on your screen.
  • Using the 303 IVR menu:
    • Dial 303 on your phone.
    • Follow the voice prompt instructions provided.
    • Press ‘5’ when prompted to check your account balance.
    • The system will process your request, and your account balance will be sent to you in an SMS message.
  • Via SMS:
    • Create a new text message.
    • Type the keyword “Balance” in the message body.
    • Send the message to the number 303.
    • In a short while, you will receive an SMS message with your account balance.

How Much Will I Be Charged For Using MTN XtraTime?

When you use MTN XtraTime to borrow airtime, you will be charged a service fee of 15% on all lending bands. This fee is removed before the loaned airtime is credited into your XtraTime account. Let’s look at a couple of examples to understand the charges better:

Example 1

If you request N50, a service fee of N7.5 (15% of N50) will be deducted. You will be credited with N42.5 in your XtraTime account. However, your main account will be debited with the full N50, resulting in a balance of -N50. This means you will need to repay the full N50 on your next recharge.

Example 2

If you request N200, a service fee of N30 (15% of N200) will be deducted. You will be credited with N170 in your XtraTime account. Your main account will be debited with the full N200, resulting in a balance of -N200. This means you will need to repay the full N200 on your next recharge.

Example 3

Let’s say you request N1000. The service fee will be calculated as 15% of N1000, which is N150. Therefore, the credited amount in your XtraTime account will be N850. However, your main account will be debited with the full N1000, resulting in a balance of -N1000. You will need to repay the full N1000 on your next recharge.

Example 4

Suppose you request N5000. The service fee will be calculated as 15% of N5000, which is N750. The credited amount in your XtraTime account will be N4250. Your main account will be debited with the full N5000, resulting in a balance of -N5000. You will need to repay the full N5000 on your next recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MTN Borrow Service Charge?

MTN charges a 15% service fee for borrowing airtime or data. For example, if you borrow 500, you will be charged 75 in service fees. This fee is applied to the amount of airtime or data you borrow, not the total amount you pay.

Various airtime Amount You Can Borrow From MTN

  • N25
  • N50
  • N100
  • N200
  • N400
  • N500
  • N750
  • N1000
  • N1500
  • N2000
  • N3000
  • N5000

How many languages are available on MTN 303 IVR menu?

There are four different languages available on the 303 IVR menu.

  1. Hausa
  2. Yoruba
  3. Igbo
  4. English

Is there a limit on how many times I can borrow airtime?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of times you can borrow airtime using MTN XtraTime. The specific limit may vary depending on various factors, including your account status, usage patterns, and repayment history.

Can I increase my XtraTime credit limit?

Yes, it is possible to increase your XtraTime credit limit over time. MTN may review and adjust your credit limit based on various factors, including your account history, usage patterns, and repayment behavior.

Conclusion

Borrowing airtime from MTN through their Xtratime service provides a convenient solution for customers who find themselves in urgent need of airtime. By following simple steps either through dialing a code or using the interactive voice response (IVR) system, customers can easily borrow airtime and repay it on their next recharge.

MTN’s eligibility criteria ensure that the service is accessible to prepaid customers who have been using the network for a minimum period and meet certain spending requirements. With competitive service fees and various borrowing amounts available, MTN Xtratime offers flexibility and convenience to its users.