📱 What is Cell C Airtime Advance?

Cell C Airtime Advance is a quick and easy way for prepaid users to borrow airtime when their balance is too low to make calls, send SMSes, or buy data. It’s ideal when you're stuck with no access to a recharge point.

This service gives users instant airtime that gets automatically deducted the next time they recharge.

✅ Who Can Get a Cell C Airtime Advance?

To qualify, you must:

• Be a Cell C prepaid customer
• Have actively used your SIM for at least 60 days
• Recharge frequently
• Have no outstanding airtime advance balance

🔄 How to Get a Cell C Airtime Advance

You can request an airtime advance in a few easy steps using USSD. (This is the Cell C airtime advance number)

📲 USSD Method:

• Dial *147# on your Cell C line.
• Choose “Airtime Services” or look for “Airtime Advance”.
• Select “Borrow Airtime”.
• Choose the amount you want (e.g., R5, R10, R20).
• Confirm your request.

The airtime will be added instantly, and you’ll receive an SMS confirmation.

💰 How Much Airtime Can You Borrow?

The amount Cell C offers you depends on your airtime usage and recharge history. Common amounts available include:

• R5
• R10
• R15
• R20

The more consistently you recharge and use your Cell C number, the more likely you’ll be offered higher amounts.

⚠️ What Are the Service Fees?

Every airtime advance comes with a service fee, which is deducted alongside the borrowed airtime during your next recharge.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Borrowed: R5.00 ==== Service Fee: R1.00 ==== Total Owed ==== R6.00

Borrowed: R10.00 ==== Service Fee: R1.50 ==== Total Owed ==== R11.50

Borrowed: R20.00 ==== Service Fee: R3.00 ==== Total Owed ==== R23.00

Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on Cell C’s latest rates.

🔁 When Do You Repay the Airtime Advance?

Repayment is automatic. As soon as you recharge, Cell C deducts the total amount (airtime + service fee) before crediting the rest.

Example: If you borrow R10 and recharge R20, Cell C will deduct R11.50, and you’ll receive R8.50 in usable airtime.

🧾 My Experience Using Cell C Airtime Advance

I tested the Cell C Airtime Advance using one of the test SIM's that I got for this experiment a couple of months ago. I dialed *147#, selected the R10 option, and the airtime hit my account in seconds. It’s super convenient for emergencies. Just remember that the full amount gets deducted next time you recharge, so don’t be surprised when your top-up seems short!

🧠 FAQs: Cell C Airtime Advance

Q: Can I borrow data instead of airtime from Cell C?
A: You can! Dial *147# on your phone and select option 3 and follow the prompts for Emergency Data.

Q: What if I recharge less than I owe?
A: The amount you recharge will be used to partially repay your debt. You’ll need to recharge again to clear the balance.

Q: Can I opt out of Cell C Airtime Advance?
A: No formal opt-out exists, but simply don’t use the service if you prefer not to borrow. There's a way to get airtime for free below 👀

🎁 How to Get Airtime for Free

Borrowing airtime can save the day — but the fees add up fast.

With Points Castle, you can earn airtime for free by:

• Completing quick surveys
• Playing fun games
• Referring friends
• Watching short ads

You can redeem your points for Cell C, MTN, Vodacom, or any other airtime providers in South Africa! — no need to borrow again.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also earn 1Voucher and OTT vouchers, usable for shopping and gaming!