How to Borrow Airtime From Mtn
November 6, 2025
We’ve all been there: you need to make an important call or send a quick message, but you’ve run out of airtime. It’s frustrating, right? Luckily, if you’re an MTN user in South Africa, there’s a simple way to get an airtime advance.
To borrow airtime from MTN, all you need to do is dial the USSD code \*136\*2# or \*151# on your phone. This service is called MTN XtraTime. Once you dial the code, simply follow the on-screen prompts to select the amount of airtime you wish to borrow.
I remember once I was stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. My data was finished, and I had no airtime to call for help. I completely forgot about the MTN XtraTime service. After a few minutes of panic, I remembered the USSD code, borrowed R10 airtime, and was able to call my brother for assistance. It was a real lifesaver!
How to Qualify for MTN XtraTime
Before you can borrow airtime, you need to make sure you are eligible for the service. Here’s what you need to know:
- Be a Prepaid Customer: The MTN XtraTime service is only available to MTN prepaid customers.
- SIM Registration: Your MTN SIM card must be registered.
- Recharge History: You need to have a history of recharging your account regularly. The more you recharge, the more airtime you may be able to borrow.
MTN looks at your activity on the network to decide if you qualify. So, as long as you’re a loyal MTN customer who recharges frequently, you should be able to use the XtraTime service whenever you need it.
I have a friend who recently switched to MTN. She tried to borrow airtime after her first week but couldn’t. After a month of consistently buying airtime, she was finally able to use the XtraTime feature. It just goes to show that being an active user really makes a difference.
Of course, borrowing airtime is a great option when you're in a pinch, but what if you could get airtime for free? With the Points Castle app, you can do just that. By completing surveys and playing games, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free airtime and other vouchers. It’s a great way to avoid running out of airtime in the first place!
