You must be a prepaid user (postpaid users have data billed monthly).
You must have used the SIM for a minimum number of days, often 30 to 90 days.
You must have a good recharge history, indicating that you often top up your line.
You should have no outstanding loan or stockholder database borrowed balance already due.
Once you dial the data loan number or USSD code, the system will check your eligibility and offer available packages. For example, you might see:
“You are eligible to borrow 100MB for $0.30. The amount will be deducted on your next recharge.”
If you confirm, the data is instantly credited to your account, and a repayment notice is generated. When you next recharge, the borrowed amount (plus any fee) is automatically deducted.
4. Pros and Cons of Using a Phone Number to Borrow Data
Using a phone number or USSD code to borrow data has several advantages, but it’s also important to understand the limitations:
Pros:No internet needed: Works perfectly in offline mode.
Quick and easy: Simple menu-based options, ideal for all users.
Instant data access: Data is usually delivered within seconds.
Compatible with basic phones: No smartphone or app required.
Cons:Limited data amounts: Usually capped at 100MB to 500MB.
Service charge applies: Typically 10–15% of the loaned data’s value.
Not for postpaid users: Only works for prepaid customers.
Repeat borrowing not allowed until previous loan is cleared.
Despite these limitations, it’s a valuable tool for staying connected during emergencies, especially for users with limited access to digital top-up platforms.