Borrowing credit or airtime from Orange, and MTN is common among many mobile phone users in Cameroon. It is at times annoying when you run out of airtime. Nevertheless, Mobile Money options are now available, which might help reduce the need for this service.
Also, online mobile recharge apps exist as an alternative, but Cameroonians rarely use them. Furthermore, some people could run out of cash in their mobile money accounts. Hence they will need to borrow airtime anyway.
The good news is that Cameroon network providers have put measures to take care of these situations.
This post is a step-by-step guide to show you how to borrow data or airtime from all networks in Cameroon (MTN and Orange). Without further delay, let us begin:
How to Borrow Airtime or Credit from MTN Cameroon?
To borrow credit or airtime from MTN, dial the USSD code *121#.
This option is called MTN prolongation. It allows you to borrow airtime from 100 FCFA to 2500 (or more, depending on the quota).
Borrowers can use this airtime to make calls, browse the internet, and send SMS. However, you cannot transfer MTN prolongation airtime to another subscriber.
Note that MTN Cameroon Users eligible for this service must have registered their sims for at least three months.
Also, the maximum amount available for you to borrow depends on the rate at which you recharge your mobile phone credit. Only prepaid subscribers can use MTN prolongation. They must have less than 100 FCFA balance.
How to Borrow Airtime or Credit from MTN Cameroon online?
Use the My MTN App to access the menu for borrowing airtime.
How to check the MTN balance after borrowing?
You can check the credit or airtime you just borrowed by dialing the code *159*86#.
How to Repay the Borrowed Airtime to MTN Cameroon?
When you perform a recharge, the amount you borrowed will be automatically deducted. Also, you will not be allowed to use MTN prolongation if you have an unpaid debt.
Thankfully, the same amount is deducted when you repay within 24 hours. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the following will be deducted if you pay after 24 hours. An interest rate of 8 percent is added to the borrowed amount after 24 hours. See the table below.
| Amount Borrowed From MTN in FCFA | Loan Amount Payable in FCFA |
| 100 | 108 |
| 200 | 216 |
| 250 | 270 |
| 500 | 540 |
| 1000 | 1080 |
| 1500 | 1620 |
If you wish to borrow a specific amount of airtime, dial the following code.
* 121 * amount #. Try a lower amount if your request is rejected for a higher amount.
How to borrow Airtime Credit From Orange Cameroon? (SOS Credit)
You may borrow airtime from Orange Cameroon using code #133#.
Eligibility Conditions
The conditions for eligibility are as follows:
- Your sim card must be at least 6 months old,
- You must be a prepaid subscriber
- Account balance must be less than 100 FCFA
- No pending debts.
- You must have performed a recharge of up to 500 FCFA in 1 month.
Applicable Charges for Borrowed Airtime on Orange Cameroon
As usual, the amount is deducted when you recharge your account. You are expected to pay within 3 days. After three days, you will have to pay 250+25 FCFA as additional fees. After more than 7 days, you will pay 250+50 FCFA fees.
Conclusion
For now, only MTN and Orange Cameroon offer the credit service to their subscribers.
Camtel Cameroon and Yoomee offer call and SMS services. However, they do not provide emergency airtime services.
