If you’ve ever run out of credit or data at the worst possible moment, knowing how to borrow airtime on Airtel can save you instantly. Airtel Nigeria offers quick emergency-credit options that let prepaid users access airtime or data even when their balance is empty, and no internet is needed, just a simple USSD code.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how Airtel’s borrowing system works, including eligibility requirements, the latest USSD codes, step-by-step instructions for borrowing airtime or data, repayment rules, common issues, and everything else you need to stay connected when you need it most.
Who Can Borrow Airtime on Airtel
To borrow airtime on Airtel in Nigeria, you need to meet a few conditions:
- Your line must be a prepaid SIM and must have been active for at least three months.
- Also, you should have a record of regular recharges. Recharging at least ₦200 per month helps.
- Finally, you must not have any outstanding borrowed credit before you request a new loan, unless you are still within your credit limit.
Also read: Full List of Airtel USSD Codes | Transfer, OTP, Airtime & More
How to Borrow Airtime on Airtel: Steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, borrowing airtime on Airtel is simple:
- Dial
*303#on your Airtel line — this opens the credit-loan menu. - Select the option for “Borrow Airtime”.
- Choose the amount you wish to borrow (common amounts include ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, ₦1,000 depending on your borrowing limit).
- Confirm the request. Airtel will credit the airtime borrowed to your account almost immediately, and you will also receive a confirmation SMS.
The old code used to be *500# for borrowing airtime. However, Airtel has replaced this with *.303#
Once Airtel credits you, you could use your borrowed airtime for calls, SMS, or data (depending on the loan amount and your usage needs).
Repayment: What Happens Next
Airtel will automatically deduct the borrowed amount from your next recharge. For example: if you borrowed ₦100, Airtel would credit you ₦85. So, on your next recharge, your debt will be cleared as long as you recharge a minimum of ₦100.
Also read: How to Borrow Airtime & Data on Glo | Easy Guide
Airtel usually deducts their 15% fee directly from the loaned airtime, so you don’t have to pay an additional fee when recharging to clear your debt.
If you don’t repay the loan (i.e. you recharge less than the owed amount), you may lose access to borrowing again, unless you are still within your credit limit.
How to Borrow Data on Airtel
Eligibility to Borrow Data on Airtel
Borrowing data on Airtel works much like borrowing airtime. You must:
- Be a prepaid Airtel subscriber with a line active for at least three months.
- Have a history of regular recharges and no outstanding loan or unpaid borrowed credit.
- Have your SIM registered (often linked with NIN for regulatory compliance).
Also read: How to Borrow Airtime & Data on MTN
How to Borrow Data on Airtel: Steps
There are two main methods to borrow data on Airtel.
Method 1: Via USSD Code
- Dial
*303#on your Airtel line - Select the option for Borrow Data (often option 2 or 3 depending on menu layout).
- Choose from the bundle options available to you. Common bundles include 40 MB for ₦50, 100 MB for ₦100, 200 MB for ₦200, and higher, depending on your eligibility.
- Confirm the request. The data is credited to your account immediately, and you get a confirmation message.
Also read: Full List of Glo USSD Code for Transfer, Airtime, OTP & More
Method 2: Via App (if available)
If you have the My Airtel App, you may borrow data directly through the app: log in, navigate to the “Data” tab or “Loans & Offers,” select “Borrow Data,” choose your plan, and confirm.
Repayment of Borrowed Data
Just like airtime loans, Airtel automatically deducts the borrowed data when you recharge.
You need to repay previous loans before you can be eligible for new ones if you have exceeded your credit limit.
What to Know Before You Borrow Airtime on Airtel or Data
- Borrowing services are only available to prepaid subscribers. Postpaid users may not have access.
- If you have previously borrowed, reached your credit limit, and not yet repaid, you won’t be eligible for a new loan until the outstanding balance is cleared.
- The more often you recharge (and the higher your recharge amounts), the better your chances of being eligible for borrowing, and possibly a larger loan limit over time.
- Borrowed airtime or data usually comes with a service fee (around 15%), and it is usually subtracted from your loan amount before you are credited.
Also read: Newest USSD Codes for Network Providers in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Borrow Airtime & Data on Airtel
Q: Who is eligible to borrow airtime or data on Airtel?
A: You must be a prepaid customer on Airtel Nigeria.
Also, your SIM should have been active for at least three months.
You need a record of regular recharges — usually a minimum of monthly ₦200 airtime recharge.
Q: What USSD code do I use to borrow airtime or data on Airtel?
A: The main code for borrowing airtime or data is *303#. The older code is *500#, but that is no longer valid.
Q: Once I dial the code, what do I do next to borrow airtime or data?
A: After dialing *303#, pick the option for either Borrow Airtime or Borrow Data from the menu.
Then choose the amount or data bundle you want, and confirm. You’ll receive a confirmation message and the airtime/data is credited to your account almost immediately.
Q: How is repayment handled? Do I need to manually repay?
A: You don’t need to perform any manual repayment. Once you recharge your Airtel line next, the borrowed amount is automatically deducted from your recharge. The table below explains the amount Airtel charges from your loan and the one you rapay:
Airtel Borrowed Airtime: Loan Amount, Credited Value, and Repayment Table
| Airtime Loan (NGN) | Value You Will Be Credited (NGN) | Amount You Pay Back (NGN) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 20 | 25 |
| 50 | 42.5 | 50 |
| 100 | 85 | 100 |
| 200 | 170 | 200 |
| 500 | 425 | 500 |
| 1,000 | 850 | 1,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | 2,000 |
Q: Can I borrow again if I’m still owing from a previous loan?
A: Yes, if you are still within your credit limit
Q: Can postpaid Airtel customers borrow airtime or data using this service?
A: No, borrowing airtime or data via this “credit-loan” service is available only to prepaid users.
Conclusion
Borrowing airtime or data on Airtel is a helpful fallback for prepaid users who run out of credit or data unexpectedly. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, which are an active SIM, regular recharge history, and no outstanding loan, you can quickly borrow airtime or data via USSD (*303#) or via the My Airtel App.
Airtel credits the loan instantly, and repayment is automatic on your next recharge. When used wisely, this “borrow now, pay later” feature ensures you stay connected when it matters most.
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