How to borrow Data and Airtime from Airtel Nigeria

Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by admin

In today’s digital world, having access to mobile data and call credit is crucial for staying connected and being productive. Airtel Nigeria provides a handy Data Borrowing Service that enables users to borrow data when they exhaust their regular data plan.

For users who find themselves in need of extra data and airtime but lack sufficient airtime to buy a new data plan, borrowing data from Airtel Nigeria is a practical solution. The telecom allows its customers to borrow data through its Data Borrowing service, which can be repaid later.

To take advantage of this service, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Your SIM card should have been active for at least 90 days, and you must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) linked to your line.

Additionally, you need to maintain a minimum monthly recharge of ₦200 to qualify for borrowing data

Once you are eligible, borrowing data  and airtime from Airtel Nigeria is straightforward. You can dial *303# and select the “Borrow Data” option, or alternatively, dial *303# and choose the airtime option.

This will display the available loan data bundles, and you can select your preferred option. After confirming the transaction, the borrowed data or airtime will be credited to your account immediately. Note that a 15% service charge will be deducted from your next recharge

This article will outline the steps and process involved in borrowing data from Airtel Nigeria, as well as the eligibility requirements.

Pay attention: List of Airtel social media data plan

Eligibility and Requirements for Borrowing Airtime from Airtel

To borrow airtime from Airtel Nigeria, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and requirements:

1. You need to be a registered Airtel prepaid customer with an active SIM card.
2. You should have a consistent history of regular usage (calls, SMS, data) and recharges on your Airtel line, typically for at least three months. This shows that you are a reliable customer.
3. You must not have any pending payments or outstanding balances from previous airtime loans or other Airtel services.
4. You should have a minimum recharge history of ₦200 or more per month
5. Your current airtime balance should be low or completely used up to qualify for borrowing credit.

How to Borrow Data from Airtel

To borrow data from Airtel Nigeria, you’ve got a couple of easy options:

Using USSD Code

1.Dial *303# on your Airtel line.

2.Select “Borrow Data” from the menu.

3 ,If you’re eligible, you’ll get a confirmation message showing the amount of data you’ve been granted on credit.

4. If you’re not eligible, try recharging for a few months before attempting to borrow.

Using the MyAirtel App

1. Download and open the MyAirtel app.
2. Sign in with your Airtel number.
3. Tap on the “Data” tab, then select “Borrow Data.”
4. Pick your preferred bundle and confirm.

Also read: How to Transfer Airtime on Airtel: Reset/Restrive and create Airtel me2u transfer pin

How to check your Airtel  data  account balance

You can check your Airtel Nigeria data balance in a few quick ways:

USSD Code

• Dial *323# on your Airtel line.
• You’ll receive a pop-up and an SMS showing your current data balance and validity.

 MyAirtel App

• Download and open the MyAirtel app from the Play Store or App Store.
• Log in with your Airtel number.
• Your data balance will be displayed on the dashboard.

Each method is free and works instantly

How to borrow airtime from airtel Nigeria

To borrow airtime from Airtel Nigeria, you can use the Airtel Extra Credit service. Here’s how:

1. Dial *303# on your Airtel line.
2. Select “Borrow Airtime” from the menu.
3. Choose the amount you want to borrow (options typically range from ₦25 to ₦2,000).
4. Confirm your selection and the airtime will be credited instantly.

You can also dial *303*Amount# directly. For example, to borrow ₦100, dial *303*100#.

How to check airtel airtime balance

To check your Airtel Nigeria airtime balance, just dial *310# on your phone. You’ll see your balance pop up on the screen, and you’ll also get a confirmation SMS.

This code works on all types of phones—no internet or smartphone needed. It’s part of the harmonized shortcodes introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), so it’s the same across all networks now

Read: How To Borrow airtime from Airtel Nigeria