We all hate those moments when making phone calls and the network provider starts warning that you have less than 1 minute remaining or your call can’t be completed because you have insufficient airtime.
The MTN XtraTime service allows you to easily borrow airtime when you are low on phone credit and conveniently repay on your next recharge, so you can make urgent calls.
Understanding how to borrow airtime from MTN can be a lifesaver. I’ll guide you through the eligibility criteria, and the steps to borrow airtime using the USSD code and share insights on the MTN IVR service. Plus, we’ll look into the charges and repayment terms associated with XtraTime, ensuring you’re well-informed before you tap into the service.
What is MTN XtraTime?
MTN XtraTime is a special help for people who use MTN and need to make a call but don’t have enough credit. It lets them get some extra credit now and pay it back the next time they add money to their phone. MTN started offering this in 2014. To use this, you need to have been with MTN for 3 months or more and often add credit to your phone.
Here’s a breakdown of what MTN XtraTime offers and how it operates:
- Airtime Amounts: Customers can choose from different airtime amounts ranging from N25 to N5000. The specific amounts available are N25, N50, N100, N200, N400, N500, N750, N1000, N1500, N2000, N3000, and N5000.
- Service Fee: MTN deducts a flat service fee of 15% from the borrowed amount and this fee is deducted before the airtime is credited to your XtraTime account. For example, If you borrow N100, you will get N85.
- Repayment Terms: The loaned airtime is repayable within 180 days from the date of the airtime request. Repayment is done by deducting the value of the loaned airtime from your main account upon the next recharge.
The airtime you borrow using XtraTime is credited to a separate XtraTime account and can be used for voice calls, SMS, and data.
Importantly, the borrowed airtime doesn’t expire, giving you the flexibility to use it whenever you need it without worrying about losing it. However, it’s worth noting that the airtime in the XtraTime account cannot be transferred to another customer.
To manage your XtraTime account, you check the balance and pay back the borrowed airtime through multiple channels, including physical recharge, MTN OnDemand, and airtime received from MTN Share.
Eligibility Criteria for Borrowing Airtime from MTN
Before being qualified to use MTN XtraTime, you must meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria are straightforward and designed to ensure that the service is offered to responsible customers who are likely to repay their borrowed airtime. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Prepaid Customer Status: Your MTN line must be a prepaid account, as the XtraTime service is tailored specifically for prepaid users.
- Registration: Your phone number must be registered. This is a standard requirement for all MTN services.
- Network Tenure: You must have been actively using your MTN line for more than 3 months. This period helps MTN assess your usage patterns.
- Usage: A minimum spend of N200 per month over the last 3 months is required. This shows you are an active user of MTN’s services.
- Account Balance: When requesting XtraTime, your main account balance should be between N0 and N75.
- Outstanding Loans: Ensure that you have no outstanding XtraTime loans before applying for a new one.
To check your eligibility, you can simply dial *303#, select ‘My Account’, and then ‘1’ to ‘Check eligibility’ or send an SMS with the keyword ‘STATUS’ to 303 or call 303 and follow the voice prompts to ascertain your eligibility status.
Meeting these criteria not only enables you to borrow airtime when you run out of charge but also demonstrates your reliability as a customer, potentially increasing the amount of airtime you can borrow in the future.
How to Borrow Airtime On MTN using USSD code
To borrow airtime on MTN, simply follow the steps below;
- Dial *303# or *606# on your MTN line;
- Select the Xtratime option;
- Choose Airtime Amount;
- Confirm the transaction, including the service fee.
Once confirmed, MTN deducts the service fee, and the remaining airtime balance is credited to your XtraTime account, ready for use. It’s as simple as that. I find this service incredibly helpful when I’m in a pinch and need to make an urgent call or send a message.
How to Borrow Airtime via MTN IVR Service
For those who prefer an auditory guide or are unable to navigate USSD menus, borrowing airtime via MTN’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service is another convenient option. Here’s how to proceed:
- Dial the IVR Number: Begin by dialling 303 from your MTN line.
- Select Language: Upon connection, the system prompts you to select your preferred language for the instructions.
- Choose XtraTime: Once the language is set, follow the voice prompts to choose the ‘XtraTime’ option.
- Choose Airtime Amount: The IVR then presents the available airtime amounts. Select the amount that you need.
- Confirm the Transaction: After you select the amount, the IVR announces the service fee. Then confirm the transaction to proceed with the airtime borrowing.
- Transaction Completion: The service fee is automatically deducted, and the airtime balance is credited to your XtraTime account.
