Reasons why you should not borrow data or airtime from any network in 2025

Hi, cherished reader, Greetings from Updatemii Solution once again. Your go-to blog for solutions to issues with computers, mobile phones, networks, applications, and software. I have described how to borrow data and airtime on all networks in today’s post. I also discussed the reasons why you shouldn’t use any network to borrow data.

Code for all networks (Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile) to borrow data or airtime

Let me quickly give you the code and walk you through the steps to borrow data before I explain why you shouldn’t do so from all of these networks.

• To borrow data or airtime on MTN, GLO, Airtel, or 9mobile, dial *303# on your phone.
• Select the “Borrow Credit” or “Data Credit Loan” option.
• Choose the amount you want to borrow based on your eligibility.

However, because of the high interest rates and the possibility of debt buildup if not paid back on time, you should normally refrain from borrowing unless it is absolutely required. Additionally, your account activity and usage history determine your borrowing limit.

Code to repay data and airtime loan on all networks (Airtel, MTN, Glo, 9mobile)

Dial *303*9*9#. An alert confirming the submission of your reimbursement request will be sent to you. Please confirm that you have sufficient funds to cover the repayment. You will receive an SMS confirming that your loan repayment was completed. You will still have some unpaid debt if the amount is not there on your balance.

Why can’t I borrow data or airtime?

Your ability to borrow data or airtime on any network (Airtel, Glo, MTN, or 9mobile) is the primary justification.

You must have recharged at least N200 for the previous three months in a row in order to be eligible to borrow data from Airtel. Most of the people in my group ask me this: may they borrow again if they have existing or outstanding data? Indeed, both yes and no! Let me clarify.

You can only borrow a certain amount of data or airtime on Airtel. You can still borrow up to N1000 if you only borrow N2000 and your personal limit is likely N3000 in airtime or data. For example, if you borrowed N3000 and paid it back with N2000, you can still borrow up to N2000 even though you still owe N1000.

This is because N3000 is your limit. Therefore, you cannot borrow more data if you have reached your limit unless you pay off a portion of your remaining airtime or data loan balance.

What occurs if you have airtime that is still owed and you have a data plan?

You signed up for a data plan straight from your bank if you have unpaid airtime that you are unable to pay. For instance, they will take N500 from your data balance if you owe N500 and you proceeded to do data with a value of N3,000. As a result, you may receive a 10 GB credit immediately rather than 13 GB. They automatically deduct it as soon as you complete the data.

Why you shouldn’t borrow data from your network provider

You shouldn’t borrow data because Airtel, MTN, 9mobile, and Glo won’t provide you with the good plans. It comes with an interest fee as well. The rapid exhaustion of borrowed data is another factor.

I recall that Airtel offered me 2GB as part of a monthly plan that ended in less than three days after I borrowed N1,500 in data. I repaid about N1700 due to the additional interest charge. In the meantime, I would have bought a 3.5GB plan for a week with that N1500, which would have given me even more time.

Why you should be cautious about borrowing airtime:

• High interest: Borrowing often comes with significant service charges, which can quickly add up if you frequently need to borrow.
• Debt trap: If you don’t manage your borrowing carefully, it can lead to a cycle of debt where you are constantly borrowing to pay off previous loans.
• Credit score impact: Frequent borrowing can negatively affect your credit score, impacting your ability to access loans in the future.

Can I use borrowed airtime to buy my desired data plan?

You have no say or control over the kind of data plan you are borrowing because you are borrowing data. I’m aware that you may be thinking it would be wiser to borrow airtime and create your own data plan. You’re right, you can accomplish this.

Will my outstanding debt be deducted when I purchase a data plan with the borrowed credit?

No, when you purchase a data plan using their borrowed credit, they won’t deduct their outstanding loan. Just remember that Airtel, Glo, MTN, and 9mobile won’t grant you large loans to subscribe to a better data plan. Moreover, I recommend you check my other article on why you shouldn’t do low-cost data plans.

Conclusion

I assume that since you are at the end of this article, you already understand how to borrow data and airtime on all networks and why it is not a good idea. You must also be aware that when you attempt to buy data using their borrowed airtime, the tour network provider will deduct the amount that is still owed.

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