Having airtime on your phone is very important. You need it to make calls, send text messages, and even use the internet if you do not have data. But sometimes, you may not have time to go to a shop to buy airtime. Or maybe it is late at night, and you need airtime urgently.
The good news is that you can buy airtime directly from your bank account. You do not need to go outside or look for a recharge card. You can do everything from your phone.
In this blog post, I will explain in a very simple way how you can buy airtime from your bank account.
What You Need to Buy Airtime From Your Bank
Before you can buy airtime from your bank account, there are some things you need:
• A bank account with money in it. You cannot buy airtime if your account is empty.
• A phone number linked to your bank account. This is the number you used when opening your bank account.
• A mobile phone (it does not have to be a smartphone). You can use a small phone or a big phone.
• A bank that allows airtime purchase. Most banks in Nigeria allow this service, so this should not be a problem.
If you have all these, then you are ready to buy airtime from your bank.
Different Ways to Buy Airtime From Your Bank Account
There are different ways you can buy airtime from your bank. I will explain all of them one by one.
1. Buying Airtime Using USSD Code
USSD codes are short numbers that you can dial on your phone to perform banking transactions. Every bank has its own USSD code for buying airtime.
Here is how to buy airtime using a USSD code:
1. Open your phone and dial the code for your bank.
2. Enter the amount of airtime you want to buy.
3. Confirm the transaction with your PIN.
4. You will receive a message that your airtime has been credited.
For example, if you use Access Bank and want to buy 500 naira airtime, you can dial *901*500# and press send. If you use GTBank, you can dial *737*500#.
Each bank has its own USSD code, so you need to check with your bank to know the correct one.
2. Buying Airtime Using Mobile Banking App
If you have a smartphone, you can use your bank’s mobile app to buy airtime. This is also very easy.
Here is how to do it:
1. Open your bank’s mobile app.
2. Log in with your details.
3. Look for the option that says “Airtime” or “Buy Airtime.”
4. Enter the phone number you want to recharge.
5. Enter the amount of airtime you want to buy.
6. Confirm the transaction with your PIN or password.
7. You will get a message that your airtime has been credited.
Most banks in Nigeria have mobile apps, so if you have one, this is a simple way to buy airtime.
3. Buying Airtime Using Internet Banking
If you have access to the internet, you can also buy airtime using internet banking.
Here is how to do it:
1. Open your internet browser and go to your bank’s website.
2. Log in to your internet banking account.
3. Look for the “Airtime Purchase” option.
4. Enter the phone number and the amount you want to buy.
5. Confirm the transaction.
6. You will receive your airtime immediately.
This method is useful if you are using a computer or if you do not want to download a mobile app.
4. Buying Airtime Through Automated Phone Calls
Some banks allow you to buy airtime by calling their customer care number. You will follow the voice instructions to buy airtime.
Here is how it works:
1. Call your bank’s customer care number.
2. Follow the voice instructions.
3. Select the option for airtime purchase.
4. Enter the amount you want to buy.
5. Confirm with your PIN.
6. Your airtime will be credited to your phone.
This method is not very common, but some banks offer it.
How to Buy Airtime for Another Person From Your Bank Account
Sometimes, you may want to buy airtime for a friend or family member. You can also do this directly from your bank account.
The steps are almost the same as buying for yourself, but you will need to enter the person’s phone number.
For example, if you use Zenith Bank and want to send 1000 naira airtime to your friend, you can dial *966*1000*08012345678# and press send. Your friend will receive the airtime instantly.
If you are using a mobile banking app or internet banking, just enter the person’s phone number instead of yours.
Benefits of Buying Airtime From Your Bank Account
There are many reasons why buying airtime from your bank is a good idea:
1. It is fast – You do not need to go outside to buy airtime. It takes only a few seconds.
2. It is available anytime – You can buy airtime even at midnight.
3. No need for recharge cards – You do not need to scratch a card or enter long PINs.
4. You can buy for others – You can send airtime to family and friends easily.
5. It is safe – You do not need to give cash to anyone to buy airtime.
Problems You May Face and How to Solve Them
Sometimes, things may not go as planned when buying airtime from your bank. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
1. You Did Not Receive the Airtime
If you bought airtime but did not receive it, do the following:
• Wait for a few minutes; sometimes, it takes time.
• Check your bank account to see if the money was deducted.
• If the money was deducted but you did not get the airtime, contact your bank.
2. You Entered the Wrong Phone Number
If you mistakenly enter the wrong number, the airtime will go to that number, and you may not be able to get it back. Always check the number carefully before confirming.
3. Your Bank’s USSD Code Is Not Working
If the USSD code is not working, check the following:
• Make sure you have network service on your phone.
• Try again after a few minutes.
• If it still does not work, contact your bank.
4. You Forgot Your PIN
If you forgot your PIN, you will not be able to complete the transaction. You need to reset your PIN by contacting your bank.
Conclusion
Buying airtime from your bank account is very easy and convenient. You can use a USSD code, mobile banking app, internet banking, or even phone calls. It saves time, and you can do it anytime, anywhere.
If you have never tried buying airtime from your bank before, follow the steps in this guide and try it today. It is simple, fast, and safe.
