After data bundles, airtime is the second most important service for all mobile phone users in Nigeria. Airtime is a critical commodity in our daily lives. It is required for communication and performing various other essential activities.
However, there are times when we run out of airtime, and recharging our line immediately is not possible. This is where MTN’s airtime borrowing service comes in handy.
This service, known as MTN Xtratime, provides customers with a means to access airtime even when they are out of cash.
In this post, we’ll discuss how you can borrow airtime from MTN in 2023 and be connected whenever you need to. We’ll also highlight the eligibility requirements and the repayment process to ensure you understand how this service works.
MTN Xtratime
MTN Xtratime is a loan service offered by MTN Nigeria that allows its subscribers to borrow airtime when they run out of credit.
This service comes in handy for those times when you need to make an emergency call but have no credit to do so.
The best part is you do not need an internet connection to access this loan. All you have to do is dial the special USSD code, and in no time, MTN will credit your line.
How to Borrow Airtime from MTN with Mtn Xtratime
To borrow airtime with MTN Xtratime, you can follow these simple steps:
- Dial *606# from your MTN line. This will bring up the MTN Xtratime menu, where you can select the option to borrow airtime.
- Choose your preferred amount of airtime from the available options. MTN Xtratime provides a variety of different amounts that you can choose from, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.
- Confirm the transaction by responding to the message sent by MTN Xtratime. The message will provide you with the details of the amount you are borrowing, including the applicable service fee. It’s important to review these details before confirming the transaction, as this will be the amount you will be charged for borrowing the airtime.
- Once you confirm the transaction, MTN Xtratime will deduct the service fee from your line and credit the remaining balance to your Xtratime account. You will receive a notification message confirming that the transaction was successful. This airtime will be available for use immediately, so you can start making calls, sending messages, or using any other service that requires airtime.
Eligibility Criteria for MTN Xtratime Service
Borrowing airtime with MTN Xtratime is a convenient way of getting access to airtime when you are running low, but not everyone is eligible for this service. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You Must be a Prepaid Customer
You must be an MTN prepaid customer to be eligible for Xtratime. If you are a postpaid customer, you will not be able to use this service.
2. Registered Phone Number
Your phone number must be registered with MTN. This means that you must have completed the SIM registration process to be eligible for Xtratime.
3. Length of Time on the MTN Network
You must have been on the MTN network for at least 3 months. This shows that you have been a consistent user of MTN services, making you eligible for Xtratime.
4. Monthly Spend
You must have spent at least N200 monthly for the past 3 months. This shows that you are an active user of MTN services and are capable of repaying the loan.
5. Main Account Balance
Your main account balance must be between N0 and N75. This signifies you are in need of airtime and are eligible to borrow with Xtratime.
6. Outstanding Xtratime Loan
You must have paid up any outstanding Xtratime loan requests. If you have an outstanding Xtratime loan, you will not be eligible to borrow again until you have fully repaid the previous loan.
Read: How to Transfer Data from MTN to Airtel
How to Borrow Airtime from MTN via MTN 606 IVR
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is another way to borrow airtime from MTN. IVR enables users to make transactions by following voice prompts, making it a convenient and accessible option for people who might not be able to use USSD codes.
To borrow airtime via MTN 606 IVR, follow these steps:
- Dial 606: Once you dial 606, the system will play an announcement for you to select your preferred language, either English, Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba.
- Select your language: After dialing 606, you will be prompted to select your preferred language. This is to ensure that you receive the voice prompts in a language you are most comfortable with.
- Select XtraTime: You will then be required to select either XtraTime or XtraByte. Select XtraTime if you want to borrow airtime.
- Choose the amount you want to borrow: The system will then play out all the airtime amounts that you can borrow. You can then select your preferred amount from the list.
- Confirm the transaction: After selecting your preferred amount, the system will display an announcement with the amount you are about to borrow and the applicable service fee. You will then be required to confirm the transaction.
- Receive your credit: Once you confirm the transaction, the system will deduct the service fee and credit your XtraTime account with the remaining airtime balance. You will receive a successful notification message confirming the transaction.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that you will be charged a service fee of 15% on every amount you borrow via MTN 606 IVR. Make sure to borrow only what you can repay and to keep track of your transactions to avoid overspending.
Can I Buy MTN Airtime without USSD?
We all know how frustrating it is to use the USSD codes for transactions, and they often fall short of our expectations.
An excellent alternative is SnappyExchange. This is a one-stop shop for all your airtime needs.
With SnappyExchange, you can easily buy MTN airtime anytime, anywhere, and in any amount.
You can even convert airtime to cash on the platform. It’s secure, fast, and user-friendly, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional means of purchasing airtime.
Follow the steps below to get started:
- Create an Account: To get started, you’ll need to create an account on SnappyExchange. This involves entering your desired username, email address, first and last name, phone number, country, and password. If you were referred by an existing member, you can also enter a referral code. You’ll be asked to solve a simple math problem before clicking “Register.”
- Confirm your Email: After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation link in your email. Once you’ve confirmed your email, you can log into your dashboard using your username and password.
- Access the “Bills” Section: From your dashboard, you’ll have access to Snappyexchange’s services. To purchase airtime, click on the “Bills” icon and then select “Airtime” with the phone icon.
- Select your Network: In the “Airtime” section, you’ll be asked to select your network. Click on “MTN.”
- Enter Phone Number and Amount: You’ll then see two boxes where you’ll enter the phone number you want to recharge and the amount. Once you’ve entered this information, click “Confirm.”
- Recharge Completed: And that’s it! You’ve successfully bought MTN airtime on SnappyExchange.
Read: How to Convert Airtime to Cash
Conclusion
MTN Xtratime service provides a convenient and easy way for MTN customers to borrow airtime when they are in need of it.
The service can be accessed through the USSD code *606# or the IVR by dialing 606.
Additionally, SnappyExchange is a great platform that enables you to purchase MTN airtime with ease.
With these options available, MTN customers can now have the peace of mind of knowing that they can get airtime whenever they need it, no matter their location or time of day.
