How To Borrow Data From Airtel using shortcode (*500#)
If you are one of the Airtel subscribers looking for how to borrow data from Airtel then you are at the right place at the right time. I will not only show you how to borrow data from Airtel but will as well show you the procedures on how to borrow airtime credit from Airtel too.
Borrowing data and airtime from Airtel is a straightforward process, but when you don’t know it then it becomes hard to borrow data, but I am here to help you with the process moreover, I will like to explain few things you need to know.
Why you need to learn how to borrow data from Airtel
Some will think that borrowing data or airtime credit from Airtel means that someone is broke, however, being broke or not is not always the case, sometimes the only option you have is to borrow data when you are not close to a place you can buy airtime that can be used to subscribe data.
Though, with the help of bank transfer codes or recharge shortcode, you can easily buy data or airtime from your bank directly but what if you are not with the SIM connected to your bank or probably broke as suggested.
Learning how to borrow data from Airtel is surely very important to every Airtel user, however, you are probably on this page because you wish to learn how to borrow data from airtel and I am going to show you the process.
How to Be Eligible to Borrow Data on Airtel
While looking for how to borrow data from Airtel, the first thing to check is whether you are eligible to borrow data from Airtel or not. However, to qualify to borrow airtime and data from Airtel these criteria below must be met.
- Your line must be registered and actively used.
- You need to be an active subscriber on Airtel for at least 3months (or 90days).
- You need to be regularly loading airtime on your Airtel line.
- You must not have unpaid Extra Credit airtime. You must settle the first before applying again.
- 15% service charge will be deducted.
How to borrow data and Airtime credit from Airtel
To cut the long story short and show you simple steps on how to borrow data from Airtel mobile network.
Step 1
Airtel created a USSD (shortcode) that can help you borrow data to browse and download stuff online when you don’t have data and not ready to buy data or don’t have enough money for data subscription.
The Airtel main shortcode that will help you borrow data or airtime credit is *500# and when you dial the code you will be taken to Airtel extra credit menu which includes options from 1 to 4:
- Eligibility and Help
- Borrow Credit
- Borrow Data
- 4 Repay Loan
From the options above type 2 and send if you want to borrow credit for calls but to borrow data simply type 3 and send to borrow data for browsing and downloading files or even streaming videos online.
When you select the option 3 which is to borrow data from Airtel you will see the available offer for you, choose the amount of MB you’d like to borrow from the options.
10MB goes for #50, 50MB for #100, and 200MB goes for #200.
Direct Airtel credit borrowing shortcode
If you don’t wish to go through the long process then dial these codes according to the airtime credit you want to borrow.
*500*50# for N50 airtime *500*100# for N100 airtime *500*200# for N200 airtime *500*500# for N500 airtime.
Note
How much data you can borrow from airtel depends on your usage and how old your Airtel SIM card is, If you are new to Airtel mobile network then you might not be able to borrow much data or credit from them.
Airtel charges 15% service fee in every airtime credit you borrow that is why borrowing airtime or data should only be done when there is no other option
Step 2
The second step on how to borrow data from Airtel is to dial *121# on your phone and you will see the following options:
- NIN Capture
- Buy bundles & Services
- Manage My Account
- Borrow Credit & other self-services
- Bank Codes
- KYC
- * Next
This options above are the options I saw when I dialled *121# on my Airtel line and from the list, what we need here is the number 4 option (Borrow Credit & other self-services). However, selecting Number 4 from the list above will open another page containing another list but you only need number 1 which is “Borrow credit (Welcome to Extra credit)”
In case you are looking for how to borrow credit from other networks like MTN, GLO and 9mobile you can check this post: Code to borrow credit from Glo, MTN, Airtel and 9mobile
Conclusion
Am sure you now knows how to borrow data from airtel easily, *500# is the magic shortcode that will help you borrow data and airtime from Airtel Nigeria. However, borrowing is only important when there is no other option at the moment because you will pay 15% service fee directly or indirectly.
Feel free to use the comment option below to share your experience if you are still facing any challenges why trying to borrow data or credit from Airtel.