In a world dominated by the internet, being out of connection is something no one wants. You want to scroll through your feed or watch a video and realize that y1ou have run out of data balance. In case of some unforeseen circumstances, you might find yourself in such a position. You could be trying to send an email when your balance falls off. Such instances call for a quick solution. I am sure you will agree that being disconnected even for minutes can bring much inconvenience in today's connected world. This is why such services exist. The data loan service offered by Airtel is one of those services.
Airtel is one of the biggest telecommunications companies in India. It provides several products and services which include mobile phones, internet connections, and so forth. Being among the best, Airtel offers its prepaid customers the possibility to borrow a small amount of data if the data balance falls off. This is a temporary solution to your problem. What is more, my purpose here is to discuss how you can use this service. I hope this piece will help you navigate this topic successfully.
Eligibility to Get the Data Loan on Airtel Discussed
However, before actually making a request, it is essential to determine whether or not you can use this service at all. The company does not issue the data loan to anyone, but there are specific criteria that should be met. Generally, such measures are needed to prevent possible problems with usage and repayments. I suppose it is quite justified, don't you think so? It is better to avoid being involved in any troubles.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Status of Prepaid Subscriber: This service is provided only to the Airtel prepaid subscribers. It does not concern postpaid ones due to the difference in billing.
- Airtel Active SIM: The Airtel SIM used should be an active SIM. This does not apply to dormant accounts.
- Airtel Tenure: Generally, there is a need to be an Airtel customer for a minimum period, normally ranging from 90 days and upwards. There is the need for them to verify that you are indeed using their services.
- History of Recharges: A good recharge history is important. The more you top-up your balance, the better your chances of being considered for borrowing.
- Outstanding Loan Position: One thing which must never be outstanding with Airtel is any outstanding loan of data or talk time. Until you settle the outstanding loan, there are no chances of another loan.
- Data Balance: It is expected that the balance of data must be very low. Below a certain MB threshold, the system will consider issuing a loan.
It is important to keep in mind the possibility that there may be slight differences in this list depending on your particular area or existing Airtel policies. Here is my recommendation: always refer to Airtel for your clarification regarding the eligibility requirements in case of doubts. Also, it is possible that even with fulfilling all of the above, the system will deny the loan due to its own algorithms.
The Heart of the Matter: How to Take Out a Loan of Data with Airtel (The Codes)
Okay, now for the part you've been waiting for all along: how do you go about taking out that loan? Well, there are different ways to do it, but perhaps the best way is through the use of USSD codes. Why do I think USSD codes are very useful? Because they work without the need for internet access, which makes them extremely handy in case of running out of data!
How to Get the Loan With the Help of the USSD Code: The Simplest Way to Do That
To apply for the data loan from Airtel, you will need to input certain USSD code. This code will enable you to contact the company and ask for the data loan.
- Main USSD Code for Airtel Data Loan: Input 141567# from your Airtel prepaid number.
By typing in this code, you will be offered a menu of options of how much data you would like to borrow from Airtel. There are options of 50MB, 100MB and even more depending on the client's eligibility. The only thing that you will need to do is choose the option suitable for you.
Alternative: Airtel Thanks App
In the case where there is no data available whatsoever, then the USSD code will work perfectly well. However, if in any way possible you find that you still have some data left or that you happen to be on WiFi, another alternative you can try is the Airtel Thanks App. This is an app offered by Airtel to their customers, and it is quite user-friendly.
- Download and Access the App: Make sure that the Airtel Thanks App is available on your mobile and that you’ve accessed it with your Airtel contact number.
- Locate 'Services' or 'Help & Support': Search for services such as 'Services', 'Help & Support' or 'Recharge'. Sometimes, the ‘Emergency Services’ or 'Loan' service is mentioned on the dashboard itself.
- Applying for Data Loan: You should see an option of requesting data loan or ‘Advance Talktime/Data’ in these sections. Follow the instructions and select the data size you wish.
The application provides a graphical interface while the USSD menu is text-based. The main objective of both the methods is to ensure timely availability of data.
Points of Consideration: Terms, Conditions & Repayment
While getting the data might sound easy, knowing about the terms and conditions attached to it is vital. This is not free data but borrowed data that has to be repaid. As they say, 'It's always better to know than to be surprised in the future.'
What You Should Know:
- Auto Deduction: The entire amount borrowed, along with a certain fee for service will be auto deducted from your next recharge. Hence, when you recharge your phone with the borrowed data, remember that a part of the total recharge would be used to repay the loan.
- Service Fee: As expected, there is also a small fee attached to borrowing the data. For instance, for a data loan of 100MB, you might have to pay ₹15.
- Data Validity: The data which has been borrowed will not be valid forever. Generally speaking, this validity will last for some period of time which could be 1-2 days at most. Ensure you use the data within this validity otherwise it will expire.
- Limitation on the Loan Amount: The data amount which you may get from Airtel is limited. You won’t be allowed to borrow unlimited amount of data.
- Prohibition of Borrowing Multiple Times: As said before, you should pay off all previous loans before applying for new ones. Such a policy is aimed at preventing debt buildup.
In my view, the use of this kind of service should always be viewed as the last resort. This is because despite being very useful, it may cause minor increase in your mobile spending costs.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Airtel Data Loan Service
Just like everything else in life, Airtel's data loan service also has certain pros and cons. Below we have highlighted them in brief to help you weigh your options during such a tricky situation.
Advantages:
- Immediate Help: The most obvious advantage of this service is that you get your hands on data when you need it the most.
- It literally saves you from getting cut off from the Internet.
- Ease of Availability: You do not have to go to any store or even make an online payment during that moment of urgency. All you have to do is dial a number.
Disadvantages:
- Extra Payment: The extra service charge implies that you are going to pay more for that service.
- Short Validity Period: The short period of validity implies that you need to make use of that service at once.
- Small Data Bundle: In most cases, the data bundle is small and only allows you to perform some basic functions on your phone.
In my opinion, every time when you want to make use of such services, you should carefully evaluate them. In an emergency situation, the advantages will certainly prevail over disadvantages, but in other cases, you can plan your recharges in advance.
Recommendations For Using the Service Responsibly
Alright, now that you know everything about borrowing data from Airtel, here are a few tips on how to use it responsibly:
- Schedule Your Recharges: The first and foremost way of avoiding the need to borrow data from the telecom operator is to ensure that you never run out of it. Track your usage and recharge your account before you run out of data! Many applications track usage.
- As A Matter of Last Resort: Let me repeat myself – do not use this service as a routine procedure. It should be used in emergencies.
- Try To Recall General Eligibility Requirements: Before actually making a call to use this service, try recalling whether you qualify at all.
- Be Aware Of the Charges: You should always know exactly what amount you're going to repay, including the service charge. Remember that when budgeting for future recharges.
- Limit Your Usage: When using the data you've just borrowed, try not to waste it on watching movies or unnecessary internet activity. Make the most of it while it lasts.
Being connected is important, but being savvy about the way we handle our connectivity is even more important. Airtel data borrowing service is an amazing asset to carry around for emergencies but like all other tools it is even more helpful if it is used wisely. Here are some tips to help you in case you face such emergencies and you have no money left in your wallet. I hope this guide proves to be very helpful for you.