How to borrow Airtime and Data from Cell C

Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by admin

Cell C’s borrowing services provide a convenient solution for customers who may find themselves with insufficient airtime or data at crucial moments.

To cater to such situations, the company offers a flexible service that allows prepaid customers to borrow data and airtime, ensuring they remain connected even when their balances run low. This service is particularly useful for those unexpected times when recharging on the spot is not feasible.

Users can access services without interrupting their communication needs. Cell C provides a feature called “Borrowed Airtime and Data,” which allows customers to borrow a specified amount of airtime or data when they run out.

To use this service, customers must meet certain eligibility criteria and agree to the borrowing terms outlined by the company.

Read: All Vodacom South Africa ussd code to check account balance buy data borrow data

Who Can borrow airtime and data from Cell C

To borrow airtime or data from Cell C, you need to meet a few eligibility requirements:

•  Customer must be an active prepaid or Top Up user, as these services are not typically extended to contract users.
• Have been active on the Cell C network for at least 30 days.
• Recharge with at least R10 every 30 days
• Your account should be active and in good standing.

Once eligible, customers can easily borrow airtime or data by dialing a short USSD code, which provides them with options tailored to their needs. The borrowed amount is automatically deducted from their next recharge, providing a seamless experience with minimal inconvenience. It’s essential for users to remember that while borrowing helps in times of need, it is not a free service

Read: All MTN South Africa ussd to find information and request services quickly, manage your account

How To Borrow Airtime From Cell C

Here’s how you can borrow airtime from Cell C using their Emergency Airtime service:

USSD

1. Dial *147# from your Cell C phone.
2. Select “Emergency Recharge” — it’s usually the first option on the menu.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose the amount you want to borrow.
4. Once confirmed, the airtime will be credited to your account instantly, and a R1.10 access fee will be added to the amount you owe

Cell C App

To borrow airtime using the Cell C app, just follow these simple steps:

1. Download and install the  app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in or register using your Cell C number.
3. Once inside the app, navigate to the “Emergency Recharge” or “Emergency Airtime” section.
4. Select the amount of airtime you want to borrow.
5. Confirm the transaction, and the airtime will be credited to your account instantly.

It’s important to be aware that borrowing airtime incurs a service fee, which will be deducted from your next recharge. This means the borrowed amount plus any applicable fees will automatically be taken from your subsequent top-up, ensuring that the loan is repaid promptly. Just a heads-up: a small R1.10 access fee will be added to the amount you borrow

Read: MTN South Africa Dataplan subscription code and prices

How To Borrow Data From Cell C

To borrow data from Cell C, you can use their Emergency Data service, which works similarly to borrowing airtime. Here’s how to do it:

Ussd

1. Dial *147# on your Cell C phone.
2. Select “Emergency Recharge” from the menu.
3. Choose the data bundle option you’d like to borrow.
4. Confirm your selection, and the data will be credited to your account instantly.

You can also borrow data through the Cell C app or their online self-service portal, both of which offer a user-friendly way to access Emergency Data

Cell C app

Here’s how you can borrow data using the Cell C app:

1. Download and install the Cell C app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in or register with your Cell C number.
3. On the home screen, tap on “Emergency Recharge” or look for “Borrow Data” under the Recharge or Bundles section.
4. Choose the data bundle you want to borrow.
5. Confirm the transaction, and the data will be added to your account instantly.

Cell C online self-service portal

To borrow data from Cell C using their online self-service portal, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Cell C website: www.cellc.co.za.
2. Log in to your account using your Cell C number and password. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to sign up first.
3. Once logged in, navigate to the “Emergency Recharge” or “Borrow Data” section.
4. Select the data bundle you want to borrow.
5. Confirm the transaction, and the data will be credited to your account immediately.

Read: Cell C Mobile Network: How to buy Data plan and data bundles Prices

Fees And Charges Associated With Borrowing From Cell C

When you borrow airtime or data from Cell C using their Emergency Recharge service, here’s what you can expect in terms of fees and charges:

• Access Fee: A flat fee of R1.10 is charged per transaction, whether you’re borrowing airtime or data.
• Repayment: The total amount you owe (borrowed amount + access fee) is automatically deducted from your next recharge.
• No Limit on Requests: You can borrow multiple times, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and don’t have outstanding balances.

So, if you borrow R10 worth of airtime, you’ll owe R11.10 on your next top-up. It’s a small price for staying connected when you need it most.