Code to Borrow Airtime from MTN in 2026: Complete XtraTime Guide With My Personal Experience

Running out of airtime at the worst possible moment is something every Nigerian understands. I remember sitting in traffic along Lekki-Epe Expressway last month, desperately needing to confirm a job interview time, and watching my balance hit zero. That moment of panic is universal. The good news is that MTN has a service that saved me that day, and it can save you too.

The code to borrow airtime from MTN is *303#. This single USSD code gives you access to MTN XtraTime, the airtime advance service that lets you borrow credit when your balance is low. You can borrow anywhere from ₦25 to ₦10,000 depending on your usage history, and repayment happens automatically when you next recharge. According to the official MTN Nigeria XtraTime page, this service is available only to eligible prepaid customers.

In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about borrowing airtime from MTN Nigeria. Whether you are borrowing for the first time or looking to increase your credit limit, this article covers it all based on years of personal experience with the service.

What is MTN XtraTime and How Does the Airtime Borrowing Service Work

MTN XtraTime is essentially a micro-credit service built into your prepaid SIM card. Think of it as a small emergency airtime loan facility that MTN provides to loyal customers. When you run out of airtime and cannot recharge immediately, XtraTime allows you to borrow credit and pay it back later.

Here is how it works in simple terms. You dial the code, select how much you want to borrow, and MTN credits your account almost instantly. The borrowed amount goes into a special XtraTime account, which is separate from your main airtime balance. When you eventually recharge, MTN automatically deducts what you owe before crediting the rest to your main account.

MTN charges a 15% service fee on every amount you borrow. This fee is deducted upfront, not when you repay. So if you request ₦100, MTN takes ₦15 as their fee and credits you with ₦85. You still owe the full ₦100 when you recharge.

Understanding the XtraTime Service Fee Structure

Amount You Request	Service Fee (15%)	What You Actually Receive	What You Repay
₦25	₦3.75	₦21.25	₦25
₦50	₦7.50	₦42.50	₦50
₦100	₦15	₦85	₦100
₦200	₦30	₦170	₦200
₦500	₦75	₦425	₦500
₦1,000	₦150	₦850	₦1,000
₦2,000	₦300	₦1,700	₦2,000
₦5,000	₦750	₦4,250	₦5,000
₦10,000	₦1,500	₦8,500	₦10,000

One thing I appreciate about XtraTime is that the borrowed airtime never expires. Unlike bonus airtime that disappears after a few days, your XtraTime balance stays until you use it.

Who Can Borrow Airtime from MTN Nigeria: Complete Eligibility Requirements

Before you rush to dial that code, you need to know if you even qualify. MTN does not give airtime loans to just anyone. They have specific criteria that determine whether you can access XtraTime and how much you can borrow.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

You must be a prepaid customer. Postpaid users already have a credit arrangement with MTN, so they do not need XtraTime. This service is specifically designed for prepaid subscribers who buy airtime as they go. Corporate and postpaid business lines are not eligible for this service.

Your phone number must be properly registered. With the NIN-SIM linkage policy in Nigeria, this should not be an issue for most people. If you have not linked your NIN to your SIM, you might face problems with various MTN services, not just XtraTime.

You need to have been on the MTN network for more than 30 days. This is a loyalty requirement. MTN wants to see that you are a genuine customer before extending credit to you. I remember trying to borrow airtime on a new SIM I bought for a specific project, and it simply would not work. The network needs time to assess your usage patterns.

You must have recharged in the last 30 days. Active usage matters to MTN when determining your creditworthiness.

Your current balance must be between ₦0 and ₦75. This one makes sense when you think about it. XtraTime is meant for emergencies when you are almost out of credit. If you have ₦500 in your account, you do not need to borrow.

For higher credit limits of ₦6,000 and above, you must have been on the network for a minimum of six months.

You should have spent at least ₦200 monthly for three months to qualify for standard borrowing tiers. MTN’s official requirement is more than 30 days on the network, though eligibility for higher credit limits requires longer activity periods and consistent monthly spending.

How to Check Your XtraTime Eligibility

Before attempting to borrow, I always recommend checking your eligibility first. There is nothing more frustrating than going through the menu only to be told you do not qualify.

Method 1: Using USSD Dial *303# on your MTN line. When the menu appears, select My Account and then choose Check Eligibility. The system will tell you whether you qualify and show your available credit limit.

Method 2: Using SMS Send the word STATUS to 303. MTN will reply with your eligibility status and current credit limit.

Method 3: Using IVR Dial 303 and follow the voice prompts. Press the option for account information, and your status will be sent via SMS.

What to Do If You Are Not Eligible

I have been in this situation before, especially when I first moved to a new MTN number. The key is patience and consistent usage. Keep recharging regularly, and after 30 days of active usage, check again. Your eligibility will likely be activated.

If you have been a long-term customer and still cannot access XtraTime, try visiting an MTN service center in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or your nearest city. Sometimes there are account issues that only their customer service team can resolve. I once had a friend whose account was flagged for some reason, and a quick visit to the Ikeja service center sorted it out.

Code to Borrow Airtime from MTN Nigeria: Five Complete Methods

Now let us get to the main event. There are several ways to borrow airtime from MTN, and I will walk you through each one based on my personal experience with them.

Method 1: Using the USSD Code *303# (Fastest Method)

This is by far the quickest way to borrow airtime. It works on any phone, whether you are using a basic feature phone or the latest smartphone. No internet connection required.

Step 1: Open your phone dialer and type *303#

Step 2: Press the call button to dial the code

Step 3: A menu will appear on your screen. Select the option for Borrow Airtime or XtraTime

Step 4: You will see a list of amounts you can borrow based on your credit limit. Choose the amount you need

Step 5: The system will show you the amount you requested plus the 15% service fee. Review this carefully

Step 6: Confirm the transaction by selecting Accept or pressing the corresponding number

Step 7: Within seconds, you will receive an SMS confirming that your XtraTime account has been credited

The whole process takes less than a minute once you know what you are doing. I have done this while walking, during meetings, and even during power outages using just the light from my phone screen. If you work from home and face frequent interruptions, you might find our guide on staying focused during power outages helpful.

Quick Shortcut Codes for Direct Borrowing

MTN also provides direct USSD codes for specific amounts:

Amount	Direct USSD Code	SMS Keyword to 303
₦25	*303*25#	25
₦50	*303*50#	50
₦100	*303*100#	100
₦200	*303*200#	200
₦500	*303*500#	500
₦1,000	*303*1000#	1000

Method 2: How to Borrow Airtime from MTN Through SMS

Some people find USSD menus confusing, especially on phones with small screens. The SMS method offers an alternative approach.

To check your eligibility: Send STATUS to 303

To check your XtraTime balance: Send BALANCE to 303

To borrow a specific amount: Send the amount as a keyword to 303. For example, send 100 to borrow ₦100.

The SMS method is straightforward once you know the keywords. MTN will reply with confirmation of your transaction or an error message if you are not eligible.

Method 3: Using the MyMTN App

If you prefer a visual interface and have mobile data or WiFi, the MyMTN app offers a smooth experience for borrowing airtime.

Step 1: Download the MyMTN app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you have not already

Step 2: Open the app and log in with your MTN number. If it is your first time, you will need to verify your number via OTP

Step 3: Browse the menu bar at the bottom of the app and tap Recharge

Step 4: A gridded menu will appear. Tap Borrow

Step 5: You will see a list of XtraByte and XtraTime loan options. Tap the XtraTime option that suits your needs

Step 6: There will be a prompt to confirm your loan. Tap Proceed

Step 7: You will receive both an in-app notification and SMS confirmation

I use the app method when I have data and want to see all my account information in one place. One thing I have noticed is that the app can be slow on congested networks. If you are in a hurry and the app is taking forever to load, just use *303# instead. For those who frequently deal with slow connections, our list of AI tools that work on slow Nigerian data might be useful.

Method 4: Using IVR by Calling 303

For those who prefer voice instructions, MTN offers an Interactive Voice Response system for XtraTime.

Step 1: Dial 303 from your MTN line

Step 2: Listen to the welcome message and select your preferred language (English, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba)

Step 3: Follow the voice prompts to navigate to the XtraTime option

Step 4: Select the amount you want to borrow from the options provided

Step 5: Confirm the transaction when prompted

Step 6: An SMS will be sent to you confirming the credit

Honestly, I rarely use this method because it takes longer than USSD. But it is helpful for elderly relatives or anyone who is not comfortable navigating USSD menus. I once walked my grandmother through borrowing airtime using the IVR system, and she found it much easier than looking at her screen.

Method 5: Using MTN Zigi Chatbot

MTN also allows XtraTime access through their Zigi chatbot on WhatsApp and other platforms. Simply start a conversation with Zigi and request to borrow airtime. The bot will guide you through the process.

MTN XtraTime Borrowing Limits and Credit Limit Tiers

Your borrowing limit is not fixed. It grows with your relationship with MTN. When I first qualified for XtraTime, I could only borrow ₦50. Today, my limit is significantly higher because I have been a consistent customer.

Complete XtraTime Lending Bands

Lending Band	Required Monthly Spend	Maximum Balance Allowed	Airtime You Receive	Service Fee
₦25	₦50 to ₦100	₦5	₦21.25	₦3.75
₦50	₦101 to ₦199.99	₦12	₦42.50	₦7.50
₦100	₦200 to ₦799.99	₦15	₦85	₦15
₦200	₦800 to ₦1,599.99	₦30	₦170	₦30
₦400	₦1,600 to ₦1,999.99	₦60	₦340	₦60
₦500	₦2,000 to ₦2,999.99	₦75	₦425	₦75
₦750	₦3,000 to ₦5,999.99	₦112.50	₦637.50	₦112.50
₦1,000	₦6,000 to ₦7,999.99	₦150	₦850	₦150
₦1,500	₦8,000 to ₦11,999.99	₦225	₦1,275	₦225
₦2,000	₦12,000 to ₦14,999.99	₦300	₦1,700	₦300
₦3,000	₦15,000 to ₦19,999.99	₦450	₦2,550	₦450
₦5,000	₦20,000 to ₦29,999.99	₦750	₦4,250	₦750
₦10,000	Above ₦30,000	₦1,500	₦8,500	₦1,500

You can increase your XtraTime credit limit by spending more monthly. According to multiple sources, your XtraTime credit limit can go up to a maximum of ₦10,000.

How to Increase Your XtraTime Credit Limit

Keep recharging regularly, even if it is small amounts. Consistency matters more than occasional large recharges.

Borrow and repay promptly. Every successful repayment builds your credit profile with MTN.

Use other MTN services like data bundles, caller tunes, or SMS packages. More engagement with the network helps.

Maintain your spending threshold. Your credit limit directly correlates with your previous month’s total spend.

How to Borrow Data from MTN Using XtraByte Service

Sometimes you do not need airtime for calls. You need data. Maybe you are trying to submit an assignment, attend a video meeting, or just need to check something important online. MTN has you covered with XtraByte, which is basically XtraTime but for data.

The process is almost identical to borrowing airtime, and you use the same *303# code.

Step 1: Dial *303# on your MTN line

Step 2: From the menu, select XtraByte or Borrow Data

Step 3: You will see a list of data bundles you can borrow based on your credit limit

Step 4: Select the data bundle that suits your needs

Step 5: Review the bundle details and the applicable 15% service fee

Step 6: Confirm the transaction

Step 7: Your data will be credited immediately with SMS confirmation

Here is something I learned from experience: Sometimes borrowing airtime and using it to buy data manually is cheaper than borrowing data directly. The prices are not always aligned, so it pays to do quick mental math before deciding which option to use. If you stream content regularly, you might want to explore the best data plans for streamers in Nigeria to get more value overall.

How to Repay Your MTN XtraTime Loan

One of the best things about XtraTime is that repayment is completely automatic. You do not need to do anything special. When you recharge your phone, MTN deducts what you owe before crediting the rest to your account.

Understanding the Automatic Repayment Process

Let us say you borrowed ₦500. When you next recharge with ₦1,000, MTN will deduct the ₦500 you owe and credit ₦500 to your main account.

But what if your recharge is less than what you owe? MTN will take everything you recharged and apply it to your loan. Your main account might show zero or even a negative balance indicating what you still owe.

For example, if you owe ₦500 and recharge with only ₦300, MTN takes the entire ₦300 for your loan. You still owe ₦200, and your usable airtime is zero. Your next recharge will first clear the remaining ₦200 before anything goes to your main balance.

Can You Pay Your MTN Loan Without Recharging

This is a question I see asked a lot. The short answer is no. The only way to repay borrowed airtime is through recharging. There is no separate payment portal or bank transfer option for clearing XtraTime loans. You cannot dial a special code to pay off your loan directly. The automatic deduction on your next recharge is the only repayment method available.

What Happens If You Never Repay

Technically, MTN cannot force you to recharge. But here is the thing. If you owe money and never repay, you simply cannot borrow again until you clear your debt. Also, that SIM becomes essentially useless for borrowing indefinitely.

What Happens If You Port to Another Network

If you port your MTN number to another network like Airtel or Glo, any outstanding XtraTime loan must still be repaid when you eventually recharge on MTN. The loan does not transfer to your new network, and it remains tied to your MTN account history.

How to Check Your MTN XtraTime Balance

Keeping track of your borrowed airtime and available limit is important. Here are the different ways to check:

Using *310#: This is the comprehensive balance check code. Dial *310# and you will see all your balances in one place, including your main balance, bonus airtime, data balance, and XtraTime balance.

Using *303# Menu: Dial *303#, select My Account, and then select Balance.

Through SMS: Send the word BALANCE to 303.

Via MyMTN App: Open the app and check your dashboard for all balance information.

I personally use *310# most often because it gives me a complete picture of all my balances in one glance.

How to Stop Auto Borrow Credit on MTN in Nigeria

Let me address this common question directly: There is no auto-borrow feature on MTN. You must manually request a loan every single time. MTN does not borrow airtime on your behalf.

If you are searching for how to stop auto borrow credit on MTN in Nigeria, the answer is that there is nothing to stop because the feature does not exist. Every XtraTime loan requires your explicit request and confirmation through any of the methods described above.

Some people confuse the automatic repayment feature with automatic borrowing. The repayment is automatic, but the borrowing itself always requires your manual action.

Common Misconceptions About MTN XtraTime Cleared Up

In my years of using this service and helping friends figure it out, I have encountered several misconceptions that need clearing up.

Misconception: You can transfer borrowed airtime Nope. Borrowed airtime sits in your XtraTime account, which is separate from your main account. You cannot transfer it to another person under any circumstances.

Misconception: Borrowed airtime expires Unlike bonus airtime that has validity periods, borrowed airtime does not expire. It remains in your XtraTime account until you use it.

Misconception: You need internet to borrow airtime The USSD code *303# works without any internet connection. It runs on the basic GSM network.

Misconception: Only old customers can borrow While you need more than 30 days of network history, this is not a long time. New customers qualify relatively quickly if they meet other requirements.

Misconception: You cannot borrow if you have an outstanding loan On MTN, you can still borrow additional credit as long as your total loan does not exceed your maximum credit limit. For example, if your limit is ₦1,000 and you owe ₦400, you can still borrow up to ₦600. The MTN XtraTime prompt will always indicate how much you are eligible to borrow.

Code to Borrow Airtime from Other Nigerian Networks

Maybe you use multiple SIM cards or have friends on other networks asking for help. Here is a comprehensive reference for borrowing airtime from Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile.

Nigerian Network Airtime Borrowing Comparison

Network	Current USSD Code	Old Code (No Longer Works)	Service Fee	Minimum Eligibility Period	Can Borrow with Outstanding Loan
MTN	*303#	*606#	15%	30 days	Yes (within limit)
Airtel	*303#	*500#	15%	3 months	No
Glo	*303#	*321#	15%	4 months	No
9Mobile	*303#	*665#	15%	3 months	Yes (within limit)

All major Nigerian networks now use *303# for airtime borrowing services, replacing their previous individual codes. This makes it easier for consumers to remember a single code regardless of which network they use.

Code to Borrow Airtime from Airtel Nigeria

Dial *303# and follow the prompts to access Airtel’s airtime advance service. The eligibility requirements are similar to MTN, requiring consistent recharge history over three months.

Code to Borrow Airtime from Glo Nigeria

Dial *303# for Glo’s airtime borrowing service. Note that Glo requires a slightly longer loyalty period of four months before you become eligible.

Code to Borrow Airtime from 9Mobile

Dial *303# for 9Mobile’s service. Their eligibility requirements are similar to MTN and Airtel.

MTN XtraTime Codes for Other African Countries

For readers outside Nigeria or those traveling across Africa, here are the MTN XtraTime codes for other major markets. According to TechCabal, MTN operates in 16 markets across Africa with varying USSD codes.

Country	USSD Code	Service Fee	Minimum Borrow	Maximum Borrow
Nigeria	*303#	15%	₦25	₦10,000
Ghana	*506#	10%	GH₵0.50	Based on eligibility
South Africa	*136*2#	10%	R5	R50
Uganda	*146#	10%	UGX 250	UGX 10,000

Note that service fees vary by country. Ghana, South Africa, and Uganda all charge 10% compared to Nigeria’s 15%.

For MTN subscribers in other African countries like Cameroon or Côte d’Ivoire not listed here, dial *123# or *156# to access menu options for your specific region.

Troubleshooting Common XtraTime Problems

Even with a straightforward service like XtraTime, things can go wrong. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

Problem: You Are Not Eligible for This Service

This usually means you have not met one of the eligibility criteria. Check that you have been on the network for more than 30 days, have been recharging recently, and your current balance is below ₦75. If all these are met and you still get this message, visit an MTN service center for assistance.

Problem: Transaction Fails Repeatedly

Network congestion can cause USSD transactions to fail. Try again after a few minutes. If the problem persists, try using the MyMTN app or IVR system instead.

Problem: Borrowed Amount Not Credited

This is rare but can happen. Wait a few minutes as there can be processing delays. If nothing arrives after 10 minutes, try checking your balance with *310#. If the balance does not reflect the loan but you received a confirmation SMS, contact customer support at 300.

Problem: Credit Limit Is Too Low

If your limit is lower than you need, the only solution is time and consistent usage. Keep recharging regularly and your limit should increase over time based on your monthly spend.

Important Things to Know Before Borrowing MTN Airtime

Borrowed airtime works for everything regular airtime works for. You can make calls, send SMS, and buy data bundles using your XtraTime balance.

Your credit limit reflects your spending pattern. MTN assesses your behavior to decide how much to trust you with. Higher monthly spend equals higher credit limits.

XtraTime is best used for emergencies. This service is meant for urgent situations, not as a primary way of getting airtime. If you find yourself borrowing every week, it might be time to look at your monthly budget. Understanding the real cost of living in Lagos or wherever you are in Nigeria can help with better financial planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Code to Borrow Airtime from MTN

My Practical Advice as a Regular XtraTime User

I try not to rely on XtraTime for regular airtime needs. Instead, I maintain a monthly airtime budget and buy credit at the beginning of each month. This way, I only need XtraTime for genuine emergencies.

When I do borrow, I prefer to borrow the exact amount I need rather than the maximum available. Borrowing ₦200 when I only need to make one quick call is wasteful because of the percentage-based fee structure.

I also use the MyMTN app periodically to review my overall usage patterns. Understanding how much airtime and data I consume monthly helps me budget better. For those juggling multiple financial responsibilities, learning effective time management as a side hustler includes managing small expenses like airtime that can creep up on you.

The code to borrow airtime from MTN, *303#, is one of those simple services that genuinely makes life easier for millions of Nigerians. Whether you are a student in Abuja waiting for your next allowance, a professional in Port Harcourt caught between paydays, or anyone in Lagos who simply forgot to recharge before leaving home, XtraTime provides a reliable safety net when you need it most.