Sometimes you need to help a friend, family member, or colleague stay connected. Whether it is a birthday surprise, a gesture of appreciation, or simply helping someone out when they are out of airtime, sending airtime to another phone number is a common need in Nigeria.
Fortunately, all four major networks — 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, and Glo — allow you to share airtime with others. There are also multiple third-party methods like VTU platforms, banking apps, and fintech apps that make it even easier. In this comprehensive guide, we cover every method to send airtime or recharge another phone number in Nigeria.
If you are new to buying airtime online, you may find our guide on how to buy airtime online in Nigeria helpful for understanding the basics.
Why Send Airtime to Another Phone?
There are many reasons to send airtime to another phone number:
- Gift or Surprise: Airtime is a thoughtful gift for birthdays, celebrations, or just because.
- Helping Someone in Need: A friend or family member may be out of airtime when they need to make an urgent call.
- Business Use: Employers may need to send airtime to employees, field agents, or contractors.
- Supporting Students: Parents can send airtime to their children for school-related communication.
- Emergency Situations: Someone may need to make an emergency call but has no airtime.
Method 1: USSD Codes – Quick and Direct
The fastest way to send airtime to another phone is through USSD codes. These work on any phone and do not require an internet connection.
9mobile Airtime Transfer
Code: *229*RecipientNumber*Amount#
Example: *229*08031235678*100# — This sends ₦100 airtime to 08031235678.
Alternative: Dial *229#, select the "Airtime" option, then select "Send Airtime," enter the recipient's number and the amount.
Limits: You can send between ₦20 and ₦5,000 per transaction. The maximum you can send daily is ₦20,000.
MTN Airtime Transfer
Code: *312*RecipientNumber*Amount#
Example: *312*08031235678*100# — This sends ₦100 airtime to 08031235678.
Alternative: Dial *312#, select the "Airtime" option, then select "Send Airtime," enter the recipient's number and the amount.
Limits: You can send between ₦20 and ₦5,000 per transaction. The maximum you can send daily is ₦20,000.
Airtel Airtime Transfer
Code: *121*RecipientNumber*Amount#
Example: *121*08031235678*100# — This sends ₦100 airtime to 08031235678.
Alternative: Dial *121#, select the "Airtime" option, then select "Send Airtime," enter the recipient's number and the amount.
Limits: You can send between ₦20 and ₦5,000 per transaction. The maximum you can send daily is ₦20,000.
Glo Airtime Transfer
Code: *777*RecipientNumber*Amount#
Example: *777*08031235678*100# — This sends ₦100 airtime to 08031235678.
Alternative: Dial *777#, select the "Airtime" option, then select "Send Airtime," enter the recipient's number and the amount.
Limits: You can send between ₦20 and ₦5,000 per transaction. The maximum you can send daily is ₦20,000.
Method 2: VTU Platforms – The Smart Way to Send Airtime
VTU platforms are the best way to send airtime to another phone number because they offer competitive rates, support all networks, and allow you to send airtime to anyone without needing airtime on your own line.
Top VTU platforms for sending airtime:
- Fujest — Nigeria's leading VTU platform with competitive rates on all networks
- VTpass — Established platform with a wide range of services
- FonPay — Growing platform with competitive pricing
How to send airtime on Fujest:
- Sign up for a free account at fujest.com.
- Fund your wallet using bank transfer, card, USSD, or mobile money.
- Navigate to the "Airtime" section.
- Select your network — 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, or Glo.
- Enter the recipient's phone number.
- Enter the amount of airtime you want to send.
- Confirm the transaction — airtime is delivered instantly to the recipient.
Advantages of using VTU platforms:
- Send airtime to anyone on any network
- No need to have airtime on your own line
- Often cheaper than buying directly from the network
- Transaction history for record keeping
- Can send airtime from anywhere with internet access
For a complete guide on buying airtime on Fujest, scroll down to the step-by-step section below.
Method 3: Banking Apps – Convenient and Secure
Most Nigerian banks offer airtime purchases directly within their mobile apps. You can use these apps to buy airtime for another phone number without needing to have airtime on your own line.
Banks that support airtime purchases:
- GTBank (GTWorld app) — airtime purchases
- Access Bank (Access Mobile app) — airtime and data
- UBA (UBA Mobile app) — airtime purchases
- Zenith Bank (Zenith Mobile app) — airtime and data
- First Bank (FirstMobile app) — airtime purchases
- FCMB — airtime purchases
- Fidelity Bank — airtime purchases
- Stanbic IBTC — airtime purchases
Steps to send airtime using a banking app:
- Open your bank's mobile app and log in.
- Navigate to the "Airtime" or "Quickteller" section.
- Select your network — 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, or Glo.
- Enter the recipient's phone number.
- Enter the amount of airtime you want to send.
- Confirm and authorise the payment.
- Airtime is credited instantly to the recipient.
Method 4: Fintech Apps – Fast and User-Friendly
Fintech apps like OPay, Moniepoint, and Paga make it easy to send airtime to another phone number. You can fund your wallet via bank transfer and send airtime instantly.
Popular fintech apps for sending airtime:
- OPay — airtime purchases with cashback offers
- Moniepoint — buy airtime via USSD *5573# or the mobile app
- Paga — airtime for all networks
- PalmPay — airtime purchases with cashback
Steps to send airtime using a fintech app:
- Download and install the app.
- Create an account and fund your wallet via bank transfer.
- Navigate to the "Airtime" section.
- Select your network and enter the recipient's phone number.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
- Airtime is credited instantly to the recipient.
Comparison: Best Ways to Send Airtime
| Method | Discounts | All Networks | Internet Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USSD Codes | None | Single network | No | Quick, offline |
| VTU Platforms | 2-5% | Yes | Yes | Best overall |
| Banking Apps | Limited | Yes | Yes | Convenience |
| Fintech Apps | Cashback | Yes | Yes | User-friendly |
Verdict: For the best value and convenience, VTU platforms like Fujest are the clear winner. They offer discounts on airtime, support all networks, and allow you to send airtime to anyone without needing airtime on your own line.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Airtime to Another Number on Fujest
Sending airtime to another phone number on Fujest is incredibly easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Website or Download the App: Go to fujest.com or download the Fujest mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create a Free Account: Sign up with your email and phone number. Registration takes less than 2 minutes.
- Fund Your Wallet: Click on "Fund Wallet" and choose your preferred payment method — bank transfer, card, USSD, mobile money, or crypto.
- Select "Airtime": Go to the airtime section on the dashboard.
- Choose Your Network: Select 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, or Glo.
- Enter the Recipient's Phone Number: Input the number you want to top up. This can be anyone's number.
- Enter the Amount: Choose the amount of airtime you want to send.
- Confirm and Buy: Review the details and click "Buy". The airtime is delivered instantly to the recipient.
That is all there is to it. You will receive a confirmation notification once the airtime is credited to the recipient.
Important Tips for Sending Airtime
- Double-Check the Phone Number: Airtime sent to the wrong number cannot be reversed. Always verify the recipient's phone number before confirming.
- Check Transfer Limits: Each network has daily and per-transaction limits. Ensure you are within these limits to avoid failed transactions.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Always use reputable VTU platforms like Fujest, VTpass, or FonPay for secure transactions.
- Keep Records: Save transaction confirmations for your records.
- Check Network Compatibility: While you can send airtime to any network, some methods like USSD codes are network-specific. VTU platforms support all networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send airtime to another network?
Yes. VTU platforms like Fujest allow you to send airtime to anyone on any network — 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, or Glo. USSD codes are network-specific and only work for the same network.
How much airtime can I send to another number?
Each network has limits:
- 9mobile: ₦20 to ₦5,000 per transaction, ₦20,000 daily
- MTN: ₦20 to ₦5,000 per transaction, ₦20,000 daily
- Airtel: ₦20 to ₦5,000 per transaction, ₦20,000 daily
- Glo: ₦20 to ₦5,000 per transaction, ₦20,000 daily
VTU platforms like Fujest have their own limits, which are typically higher.
Can I send airtime without having airtime on my own line?
Yes. Methods like VTU platforms (Fujest), banking apps, fintech apps, MTN On Demand (*904#), and Glo Simple Recharge (*805#) allow you to send airtime directly from your bank account — no existing airtime needed.
Is it safe to send airtime online?
Yes, as long as you use trusted platforms. VTU platforms like Fujest use SSL encryption and secure payment gateways. Banking apps and fintech apps also use secure authentication methods.
What happens if I send airtime to the wrong number?
Airtime sent to the wrong number cannot be reversed. Always double-check the recipient's phone number before confirming the transaction.
Conclusion — Send Airtime to Anyone, Anywhere
Fujest – Your Best Platform for Sending Airtime
Sending airtime to another phone number in Nigeria has never been easier. Whether you choose USSD codes, VTU platforms, banking apps, or fintech apps, there is a method that suits your needs.
However, for the best value, convenience, and service range, VTU platforms like Fujest are the clear winner. With competitive rates on all networks, instant delivery, multiple payment options, and 24/7 support, Fujest is the smartest way to send airtime to anyone, anywhere.
Why Fujest is the best platform for sending airtime:
- Send airtime to anyone on any network — 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, Glo
- Instant delivery — guaranteed
- Competitive rates — save money
- No need to have airtime on your own line
- Multiple payment methods (bank transfer, card, USSD, mobile money, crypto)
- Enterprise-grade security (SSL, PCI-DSS)
- 24/7 live support
- Transaction history for easy tracking
- Trusted by thousands of users
Stop struggling to send airtime. With Fujest, you can send airtime to anyone on any network — instantly, securely, and at competitive rates.
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