Before you accept an advance
- Confirm the repayment amount shown on screen.
- Check whether a service fee or access fee applies.
- Remember that repayment can happen automatically when you recharge.
Updated 11 May 2026
Airtime Advance Codes South Africa
Use these borrow-airtime starting points for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C. The network menu should show eligibility, fees and repayment before you accept an advance.
Quick answer
MTN users can start with *151#. Vodacom users should start with *135#, Telkom with *180#, and Cell C with *147#. For non-MTN networks, treat those as menu routes rather than guaranteed one-step borrow-airtime codes.
Reviewed by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Last reviewed: 11 May 2026
Sources we check: DataCost USSD repository, operator self-service menus, and public support routes where available.
Why trust this: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found outdated info? Send a correction.
Airtime advance code comparison
| Network | Starting code | Product or route | Eligibility and repayment note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | *151# | MTN XtraTime Verified advance-airtime route in DataCost USSD data. | Repayment and any service fee are normally deducted from your next recharge or incoming airtime. See MTN USSD codes |
| Vodacom | *135# menu | Airtime advance via self-service menu Use the main Vodacom menu because direct menu paths can vary by SIM and offer eligibility. | Confirm the fee and repayment terms on the Vodacom menu before accepting an advance. See Vodacom USSD codes |
| Telkom | *180# menu | Airtime advance via self-service menu Use the Telkom self-service menu; advance-airtime options can depend on prepaid profile and eligibility. | Confirm the repayment amount and timing shown on the Telkom menu before accepting. See Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C | *147# menu | Airtime advance via self-service menu Use the Cell C bundle and self-service menu; available advance options can vary. | Check the fee and deduction rules on screen before you accept the advance. See Cell C USSD codes |
Why advance airtime fails
- Your SIM has not built enough recharge or usage history for an advance offer.
- A previous airtime advance or service fee may still need to be repaid.
- The network may not currently have an advance offer for your prepaid profile.
- Your SIM, tariff plan, or account status may not qualify for the specific advance product.
- The USSD session may time out or fail during network congestion; try again from a place with stronger signal.
Per-network USSD pages
Airtime advance FAQ
What is the MTN airtime advance code?
Dial *151# for MTN XtraTime. Check the fee and repayment amount before accepting any advance airtime.
What is the Vodacom airtime advance code?
Start with *135# and follow the Vodacom self-service menu. Direct advance-airtime menu paths can vary by SIM and eligibility.
Why can airtime advance fail?
It can fail when your SIM is not eligible, a previous advance has not been repaid, the offer is not available on your profile, or the USSD session times out.
Does airtime advance cost extra?
A service fee or access fee can apply. The exact repayment amount should be shown by the network before you confirm the advance.
Author and review notes
Written by Riccardo Vallaro
Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Mobile services and telecom professional with experience across VAS, carrier billing, mobile content, and African operator partnerships.
Reviewed / updated: 11 May 2026
Why trust this guide: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found something outdated? Send a correction.