Why Borrowing Airtime from MTN May Be a Bad Idea

Have you ever been in a situation where you urgently needed airtime but had no way to recharge? I’ve been there, and like many people, I turned to MTN’s XtraTime service. At first, it seems like a lifesaver. You dial the code, get the airtime, and make that important call or send a text. But after using it a few times, I realized something – borrowing airtime from MTN may not be as good as it seems. Let me explain why.

1. The Hidden Charges Are a Trap

One of the biggest reasons why borrowing airtime from MTN may be a bad idea is the extra charges. When you borrow, MTN doesn’t just give you the exact amount you requested. They deduct a service fee immediately. For example, if you borrow N100, you don’t get the full N100 – MTN takes a cut, leaving you with less than what you actually need. This means you’re already at a loss before you even use the airtime.

2. Your Next Recharge Gets Deducted Instantly

Another frustrating thing is that as soon as you recharge, MTN takes back the borrowed amount before you can even use your new credit. Imagine loading N500, expecting to subscribe to a data plan, only to see your balance wiped out because you had an outstanding XtraTime debt. It’s annoying and can leave you stranded if you forget about your previous loan.

3. It Encourages a Debt Cycle

I noticed that borrowing airtime can become a habit. It starts as a quick fix, but soon, you find yourself borrowing repeatedly because your recharges always go towards paying off the last debt. It’s a cycle that never ends, making it hard to properly manage your airtime and expenses. Instead of solving your problem, it creates another one.

4. Limited Usage – You Can’t Buy Data

Here’s something I didn’t realize at first – you can’t use borrowed airtime for everything. If you’re thinking of borrowing airtime to subscribe to a data plan, forget it. MTN restricts how you can use borrowed credit, so you’re stuck with calls and SMS only. If you’re an internet user like me, this makes borrowing airtime almost useless.

5. It’s More Expensive in the Long Run

Let’s break it down: if you borrow N200 multiple times in a month, and MTN takes N40 each time as a service charge, you’ve lost N200 just on fees alone! That’s money that could have been used to buy extra data or make more calls. The more you borrow, the more money you waste on charges, making it an expensive habit.

6. Poor Financial Planning

Borrowing airtime often means you didn’t plan your expenses well. I used to think it was harmless, but I realized it made me careless with my airtime usage. Instead of buying airtime in bulk and using it wisely, I kept borrowing small amounts, paying extra fees each time. If you find yourself in this pattern, it might be time to rethink how you manage your airtime.

7. Your Eligibility Can Change

MTN doesn’t allow everyone to borrow airtime at any time. Your eligibility depends on your usage and recharge history. If you stop recharging regularly, you might find yourself unable to borrow when you actually need it. Relying on borrowed airtime isn’t a guaranteed solution.

8. There Are Better Alternatives

Instead of borrowing airtime, consider other options:

Use mobile banking: Almost every bank in Nigeria allows you to buy airtime instantly using their USSD codes or apps.
Ask a family member or a close friend: A simple airtime transfer from a friend can save you from unnecessary service charges.
Plan ahead: If you always find yourself needing emergency airtime, try to recharge in bulk and keep extra credit for emergencies.

Borrowing airtime from MTN might seem like an easy solution in urgent situations, but in the long run, it’s not worth it. The hidden charges, automatic deductions, and debt cycle make it a bad habit that drains your money. If you’ve been relying on XtraTime, I strongly suggest looking for better ways to manage your airtime. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration and unnecessary expenses!