How to Borrow Airtel: A Complete Guide for Airtime and Data Loans

How to Borrow Airtel

Have you ever run out of airtime or data when you needed it most? I know how frustrating that can be, especially in emergencies. Thankfully, if you’re using Airtel, there’s a solution. You can borrow airtime or data directly from Airtel using a simple USSD code.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to borrow Airtel airtime and data quickly and easily, no matter where you are—Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, or beyond.

What is Airtel Credit Loan (Extra Credit or Credit Loan Service)?

Airtel offers a service called Airtel Credit Loan, also known as Extra Credit or Borrow Credit. This service allows prepaid users to borrow airtime or data when their balance runs low and pay it back on their next recharge.

To use this service, you must meet the eligibility requirements and know the correct codes. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

Who Is Eligible to Borrow on Airtel?

Before borrowing airtime or data from Airtel, you must meet certain conditions:

You must be a prepaid Airtel subscriber.
Your SIM card must be registered and active for at least 3 months.
You must recharge frequently (usually a minimum monthly recharge amount is required).
You must have no outstanding loan or have a history of timely repayment.

How to Borrow Airtime from Airtel

Here’s the step-by-step method:

USSD Code Method

Dial *500# on your Airtel line.
Select “1” for Borrow Airtime.
Choose the amount of airtime you want to borrow.
Confirm your request.

You’ll receive the airtime instantly, and the amount (plus a service fee) will be deducted from your next recharge.

Examples of Borrowable Amounts in Nigeria:

N25
N50
N100
N200
N500

Note: Charges apply. For instance, borrowing N100 may cost you a service fee of N15.

How to Borrow Data from Airtel

You can also borrow data if you need to browse the internet but your data balance is low.

Steps to Borrow Data on Airtel

Dial *500#.
Select “2” for Borrow Data.
Choose a data bundle (e.g., 100MB, 200MB, 1GB, etc.).
Confirm your request.

The borrowed data will be credited to your data balance, and repayment will be made from your next top-up.

Alternative Method: Using MyAirtel App

If you have the MyAirtel app installed:

Open the app.
Navigate to Loans or Extra Credit.
Select Borrow Airtime or Borrow Data.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This method is especially useful if you want a visual interface rather than using USSD codes.

How to Check Borrowed Airtel Balance

To check how much you’ve borrowed and how much is left to repay:

Dial *500#, then select “3” (Check Balance/Loan Status)
Or use the MyAirtel App and view your loan balance under the credit section.

How to Pay Back Airtel Loan

You don’t need to do anything manually. Airtel will deduct the borrowed amount plus any fees automatically from your next airtime recharge.

If you borrowed N200 and the fee is N30, Airtel will deduct N230 the next time you recharge.

Can You Borrow for Someone Else?

Currently, Airtel Nigeria does not allow borrowing airtime or data for another number directly.

However, in some other regions like Uganda or Ghana, AirtelTigo users might have access to a Share Credit or Me2U option. Always check with your local Airtel service for availability.

How to Borrow Airtime or Data on Airtel in Other Countries

Uganda:

Dial *100*7# for Airtime loans.
Follow the prompts for Extra Time or Credit.

Ghana (AirtelTigo):

Dial *588# and follow the menu.

Zambia:

Dial *575# to access the credit service.

Kenya:

Airtel Money credit may be offered—check with Airtel Money options.

Benefits of Using Airtel Borrow Service

Instant access to airtime or data in emergencies.
No paperwork or app required.
Flexible repayment, deducted on your next recharge.
Available across multiple countries and prepaid accounts.

Things to Keep in Mind

You must repay your previous loan to qualify for another.
The more you recharge, the higher your eligible loan amount.
There is no option to opt-out once you borrow—you must repay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I borrow airtime if I’m still owing?

No. You must repay any outstanding airtime loan before borrowing again.

Can I transfer borrowed airtime or data to another Airtel line?

No. Borrowed airtime and data are not transferable.

How can I stop Airtel auto-deduction?

There is no option to stop it. Airtel automatically deducts the loan amount once you recharge.

Is there a limit to how much I can borrow?

Yes. Limits depend on your usage and recharge frequency. The more you recharge, the more you can borrow.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to borrow Airtel airtime or data is a lifesaver, especially during critical times when you can’t recharge immediately. I always recommend keeping the USSD code *500# in mind, whether you’re in Nigeria or abroad.

Use this service responsibly, and remember to repay promptly to keep enjoying the benefits.

If you found this helpful, share it with a friend—you never know who might need a quick airtime fix!