Quick Answer
Verified MTN Airtime Advance USSD Codes:
Dial
*151#or*136*2#(Select XtraTime).Last Verified: July 2026 (MTN South Africa).
If you have run out of airtime or mobile data, MTN South Africa allows eligible prepaid customers to borrow funds immediately using its emergency credit facility, XtraTime. You can access this service by dialing *151# or by dialing *136*2# and selecting the XtraTime menu option. If USSD network sessions are down or unavailable, you can also manage advance offers via the official MTN App.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
MTN XtraTime is an emergency advance facility that credits your prepaid balance with airtime, voice minutes, or data when you are out of funds. The borrowed credit is recovered automatically on your next recharge, along with a standard service fee.
Qualification Requirements
- Account Type: Active MTN South Africa Prepaid or Top Up SIM cardholders.
- Network Longevity: Your SIM must have been active on the MTN network for at least 3 months (90 days).
- Recharge History: You must have loaded a minimum total of R20 or more per month over the previous 3 consecutive months.
- Account Health: You must not have any outstanding or unpaid XtraTime balance on your account.
How to Request Airtime Advance
Before You Start
- Ensure your device has active network coverage showing MTN.
- Settle any prior XtraTime balance in full before attempting a new loan.
- Understand that available loan limits (e.g., R5, R10, R20, R50, or more) are generated dynamically based on your historical recharge activity.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open your device’s phone dialer and enter
*151#(or dial*136*2#and pick XtraTime). - Choose your preferred advance type: Airtime, Voice, or Data.
- View the personalized advance amounts displayed on your screen.
- Select the specific advance offer you wish to request.
- Carefully check the total repayment amount and service fee shown on the confirmation prompt.
- Select Confirm to accept the loan terms and process the transaction.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- Successful Advance: An on-screen confirmation will display immediately, followed by an official SMS from MTN detailing the credited amount, the added service fee, and your total outstanding balance.
- Balance Verification: Check your updated credit by dialing
*136#. - System Delays: If your request is approved but balance updates are delayed, restart your phone before placing another request to avoid triggering duplicate session errors.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Specification / Requirement |
| USSD Session Fee | Free |
| Service Fee | R1.10 per R10 advanced (approx. 10%–11% service charge) |
| Minimum Loan | Subject to account tier (typically starting at R2–R5) |
| Maximum Loan | Determined dynamically by 3-month recharge history |
| Processing Time | Instant (credited within seconds) |
| Repayment Method | Deducted automatically from your next recharge or airtime transfer |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Ineligible” or “Option Not Available”: Your SIM card is less than 90 days old, or you have not met the minimum R20 monthly recharge requirement over the past 3 months.
- “Outstanding Balance Owed”: You must settle your previous loan balance in full before requesting a new advance.
- Connection Error or MMI Code Error: Wait 30 seconds and dial
*151#again, or toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset your network signal. - Dual SIM Devices: Make sure you are dialing from the dedicated MTN SIM slot.
Why Might the Request Be Declined?
- Existing unpaid XtraTime advance.
- Insufficient account activity over the past 90 days.
- SIM card flagged for inactivity or suspension.
Official Alternatives
If the USSD route fails due to timeout or network disruption, use these official MTN channels:
- MTN App: Log in to the official app $\rightarrow$ Select Recharge $\rightarrow$ Choose XtraTime.
- WhatsApp Assistant (Zigi): Chat with MTN’s automated support on WhatsApp at 083 123 4357.
- MTN Customer Care: Dial 135 (free from an MTN SIM) for customer support assistance.
- MTN Retail Store: Visit an authorized store to resolve account blocks or clear disputed balances.
Safety and Privacy
🔒 Security Notice:
MTN will never ask for your SIM PIN, banking PIN, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to issue an airtime advance. If a USSD menu, SMS, or third party asks for sensitive security credentials, end the session immediately. Report suspicious activity to MTN Fraud at 135.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current MTN Airtime Advance USSD Code?
The direct USSD code for MTN XtraTime in South Africa is *151#. You can also access it through *136*2#.
Who qualifies for an advance?
MTN prepaid customers with an active SIM card for at least 3 months who have recharged with at least R20 per month during that time.
What fees apply?
MTN charges a standard service fee of R1.10 for every R10 borrowed. Borrowing R10 results in a total repayment deduction of R11.10.
How is the advance repaid?
Repayment is automated. The moment you reload airtime (via recharge voucher, banking app, or Me2U transfer), MTN deducts the owed balance until fully cleared.
What should I do if the MTN USSD route does not work?
Use the official MTN App under the Recharge menu, or call 135 for customer care support.
Related Guides & Internal Links
- MTN — Link back to the broader parent hub so readers can choose another provider or task.
- How To Check MTN Number USSD Code — Related page: same provider, same topic hub.
- MTN Internet Settings USSD Code — Related page: same provider, same topic hub.
- MTN MoMo USSD Code — Related page: same provider, same topic hub.
- MTN Airtime Transfer USSD Code — Related page: same provider, same topic hub.
- Mobile Network USSD Codes — Use when the reader needs the adjacent service category.
