Have you ever been in a difficult situation like this? I am sure that I have been. You are surfing, watching something, or perhaps even making an important video call, and suddenly your data gets exhausted. Such a situation is really frustrating because of the fact that you are either too far away from a charging point or perhaps just do not have the money available right now. This is where an Airtel data loan proves to be very handy indeed. Since I have been using Airtel services, I know a thing or two about this, and will tell you how it works along with the important Airtel data loan number.
So, what is Airtel Data Loan?
Before we discuss how to obtain this data loan, it would be wise to know what exactly it means. To put it briefly, an Airtel data loan, otherwise known as 'Advance Talktime' or 'Advance Data', is a small quantity of data (or talktime) that Airtel lends to its prepaid users on credit. You can use the borrowed data straight away and it, along with a small service charge, will be automatically deducted from your next recharge. This is an excellent temporary way of dealing with unexpected data emergencies.
My Opinion about Its Usefulness
In my opinion, the usefulness of this service lies in its convenience and necessity. Consider yourself to be on the go and suddenly finding yourself to be without maps or in need of sending a business email in case your data pack runs out. The data loan would definitely help you cope with this problem.
How Do I Get an Airtel Data Loan? – The Main Ways to Get One
The process to get an Airtel data loan has been simplified by the company with just two main ways through which you will receive a loan. You don’t have to go to the shops or request assistance from someone else, you can do it all using your mobile phone.
Way 1: Using USSD Code – The Traditional Way (*999#)
This way is perhaps the most common and reliable way of getting an Airtel data loan and is more effective especially if you are not using a smartphone or just don't want to use apps.
How To Get the Loan From Data Using USSD Code
- The first step in obtaining the Airtel data loan using the code is to dial from the mobile phone. Note that you can only get access to the data loan code using the mobile phone.
- The second step is to dial the code *999#. This code *999#is one of the key Airtel data loan code.
- The third step involves pressing the call button just as you would do while making a call.
- The fourth step is the selection from options. When you select, there will appear some options on your mobile screen. Among those will be one in relation to the phrase "Data loan" ,"Advance data", "Internet loan" option and is positioned as either number '1' or '2'
- The fifth step is to select the right option and type and send.
- The sixth step is to confirm.
- Note that, the seventh step is receiving the confirmation message sent from your SMS. Within few minutes the data will be credited to your phone.
The whole process has been very fast and efficient.
Method 2: Via Airtel Thanks App – If Using Smartphones
For those people who use smartphones and have Airtel Thanks App in their mobile phones, I would advise to make use of this particular app as it is very easy to use.
Process Involved in getting Data Loan from the Airtel Thanks App
- Step 1: Go to the Airtel Thanks App. Make sure you're signed in your account via Airtel number.
- Step 2: Find 'Recharge' and 'Services'. In this situation, 'Recharge' and 'Services' should be looked for. There are times when you may come across a section such as 'Advance'/'Loan' just in case you want data loan because of shortage of data.
- Step 3: Select the data Loan option. Once the two sections mentioned above are found in the application, then go ahead and select 'Data Loan'/'Advance Data'.
- Step 4: Select your Data Loan Amount. Here you will be provided with some data loans amount (for example, 1 GB, 2 GB)
- Step 5: Confirm your request. Once you've done with the selections, you will need to confirm it by checking for service charge.
- Step 6: Receive a Confirmation Message. Just like the process involving USSD Code, you will get confirmation SMS in your mobile.
As compared to USSD code, this process will enable you see what you're doing.
Who Qualifies for Airtel's Data Loan Service? - Facts You Must Not Ignore
Well, it's too bad not everyone can just dial the required number to avail themselves of free data. Airtel has laid down certain criteria for this purpose. As far as I understand, these are generally as follows:
- Airtel Prepaid Customer: First of all, this particular facility is available for prepaid subscribers only, as far as I know.
- Minimum Usage / Tenure: Generally speaking, a certain minimum number of days should have elapsed since you started using Airtel services. Usually, the duration of tenure is 90 days.
- Good Loan Pay Back: If you have previously availed of any such facility, you should have paid it back on time. Pending loan cases will automatically make you ineligible for further loans.
- Insufficient Main Account Balance: Your current balance in the main account should remain low. It may be below a certain limit like 5/- or 10/-.
- No Other Loan: Now Last, there should be no other ongoing data or talk time loan now.
If you do not qualify for any of the above conditions, you will probably be informed of it in case you seek to claim a loan.
Data Loan Scheme Information and Details of Repayment
The Airtel company gives data loans such as 1GB, 2GB, with different validity periods like 1 or 2 days. The data and services provided by the company can vary from one to another and hence it is imperative that you notice all information while making your request.
How Do I Return the Data Loan I Took From Airtel?
Returning the loan is an extremely easy task. When the next recharge is performed, the amount borrowed along with the service charge will be directly deducted from the total recharge amount. You do not need to make any effort separately. For instance, if you have taken 1GB at a service charge of 25 rupees and made a recharge of 100 rupees; only 75 rupees will be left for you.
Key Considerations Regarding Data Loans
- Service Charges: Please note that the data loans attract small service charges. This means that the cost is more than just the data volume borrowed. The charges will be indicated beforehand to help you make an informed decision.
- Validity: The validity period for a data loan is limited and could be of 1 or 2 days. Be sure to utilize the offered data before the validity period expires.
- Only One Active Loan: As noted before, there can never be more than one active data or talk-time loans. Only once you have settled one of them, can you acquire another one.
- Just a Temporary Solution: Even though very helpful, I would always advise seeing a data loan just as a temporary way out of difficulties. Try to arrange your data usage in a way that you won't require such services anymore.
- Check Your Account: It is highly recommended that after getting the loan, you check your balance. You can simply dial *121# or log in into the Airtel Thanks App.
Overall, I strongly believe that the data loan facility from Airtel is great customer-focused solution. This is because, sometimes, unexpected things happen and we might run out of data at a bad moment. Knowing the Airtel data loan number, *999# or how to get this feature using the app makes you feel empowered.