How to Buy MTN, Airtel, GLO & 9mobile Airtime in Nigeria 2025 Guide

There are three main ways to buy airtime in Nigeria: using USSD codes, your network provider’s app or website, or trusted platforms like Cardtonic. These methods make airtime recharge easy and sometimes even come with cashback.

But back then, it wasn’t this convenient.

I remember a time my uncle gave me ₦200 to buy a recharge card. On the way, I stopped at the football field to play ball. Somewhere between chasing the ball and arguing over goals, the money fell out of my pocket.

When I got home and explained what happened, he didn’t take it lightly. The beating I received that day felt like punishment for something much bigger.

Thinking about it now, if platforms like Cardtonic had existed back then, he probably would have recharged directly from his phone instead of sending me out.

Anyway, those days are behind us. Let me show you how easy it is to buy airtime online in Nigeria today.

Where to Buy Airtel, MTN, 9mobile & GLO Airtime in Nigeria

I’ve used different platforms to buy airtime: bank apps, telco websites, and even USSD shortcuts, but Cardtonic still stands out.

Most bank apps get the job done, but the process can feel slow and frustrating. You deal with too many steps, random OTP requests, or payment errors when the network misbehaves. Telco sites also work, but they rarely offer bonuses or cashback. You’re just buying airtime, nothing extra.

Cardtonic, on the other hand, rewards you every single time. You get up to 5% cashback on airtime for all networks: MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9mobile. The app and website are also very easy to use. Just a few taps, and you’re done.

What makes it even better? You can keep track of your bonuses, enjoy occasional promos, and manage everything in one place.

So if you’re looking for where to buy Airtel or MTN airtime online without stress and still save while at it, Cardtonic is your best option.

How to Buy Airtime Online On Cardtonic

Buying airtime on Cardtonic is easy. Simply visit the website or mobile app, navigate to the bill payment section, click on “Airtime,” enter your phone number, select your desired network and amount, and then complete payment.

1. Open the Cardtonic app on your device.

2. Click on “Bill Payment” on the dashboard.

3. Click on “Airtime.”

4. Select your network provider.

5. Enter the phone number you want to load airtime to.

6. Input the desired amount of airtime to purchase.

7. Click on “Purchase.”

8. Review all details entered and confirm they are accurate on the summary page.

9. Click on “Purchase.”

10. Confirm the purchase by entering your four-digit PIN.

And that’s it! Within seconds, you’ll have your new airtime credit reflected on your mobile line. If you need more clarification on the steps above, you can watch the video below:

How to Buy Airtime on Airtel in Nigeria

You can buy Airtel airtime online by visiting their website or using the app. Just enter your phone number and the amount, and pay with your debit card or SmartCash.

1. Airtel Website

1. Visit the Airtel Online Recharge page.

2. Enter your Airtel number and the amount you want to top up.

3. Click “Buy Airtime.”

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment.

2. Airtel Mobile App

1. Download the Airtel app from the Play Store or App Store.

2. Log in using your Airtel number.

3. Tap “Recharge” on the homepage.

4. Enter the airtime amount you want to buy.

5. Tap “Recharge Now” to proceed.

6. Choose your payment method: SmartCash or debit card.

7. Tap “Proceed” to complete the transaction.

How to Buy Airtime on GLO in Nigeria

Recharging your GLO line online is simple. You can do it through the GLO website or the GLO Café app, depending on what’s more convenient for you.

1. GLO Website

1. Visit the GLO Simple Recharge Page.

2. Click on “Recharge Now.”

3. Type in your GLO number and the amount you want to buy.

4. Tap “Continue.”

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your payment.

2. GLO Café App

1. Download or open the GLO Café app from the Play Store or App Store.

2. Sign in using the code sent to your GLO line.

3. Tap the “Recharge” tab on the homepage.

4. Enter your GLO number, airtime amount, and email.

5. Select your payment method and enter your card details.

6. Enter the OTP sent to your phone and click “Confirm.”

Once it goes through, your airtime should reflect almost immediately.

How to Buy Airtime on MTN in Nigeria

MTN lets you recharge your line easily through their official website or the myMTN NG app. Both methods work well, whether you’re paying with your card, MoMo wallet, or bank transfer. 

1. MTN Website

1. Visit the MTN Airtime Recharge Page.

2. Type in your MTN number and the airtime amount.

3. Click “Buy Now.”

4. Log in to your MTN account.

5. Follow the steps to complete payment using your preferred method.

2. myMTN NG App

1. Download the myMTN NG app from the Play Store or App Store.

2. Open the app and sign in with your MTN number.

3. You’ll receive an OTP to verify your account; enter it.

4. Tap “Buy Airtime” on the homepage.

5. Choose whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else.

6. Enter the airtime amount and tap “Proceed.”

7. Select a payment method: MoMo PSB, bank transfer, card, or USSD.

8. Follow the prompts to complete the purchase.

How to Buy Airtime on 9Mobile in Nigeria

Buying 9Mobile airtime online is quick and easy. You can recharge through their website or by using the official app called ig9ite.

1. 9Mobile Website

1. Visit the 9Mobile Buy Airtime page.

2. Enter your 9Mobile number, the airtime amount, your first name, and email.

3. Click “Purchase Airtime.”

4. Choose your payment method and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.

9Mobile Mobile App (ig9ite App)

1. Download the ig9ite app from the Play Store or App Store.

2. Open the app and tap “Get OTP.”

3. Enter the one-time password sent to your line to log in.

4. Tap the “Airtime” button.

5. Enter the phone number and amount you want to recharge.

6. Select your preferred payment method (e.g., debit card or bank transfer).

7. Confirm the payment.

Once the payment is successful, your airtime will reflect almost immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Airtime Online in Nigeria

1. What is the Best App to Buy Airtime and Data in Nigeria?

Cardtonic is one of the best apps to buy data and airtime in Nigeria. It’s fast, easy to use, and works for MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9Mobile. Plus, you get up to 5% cashback on every top-up, which helps you save money in the long run.

2. Can I Buy Airtime for Someone Else?

Yes, you can. As long as you have the person’s phone number, you can recharge their line through Cardtonic or any network app.

3. Which Code Can I Use to Transfer Airtime?

To transfer airtime on MTN, Airtel, GLO, or 9Mobile, just dial *321# and follow the on-screen prompts.

4. Can I Buy Airtime Online Without OTP?

Yes, platforms like Cardtonic allow you to buy airtime online in Nigeria across network providers without generating any OTPs or authentication processes.

5. How Can I Buy Airtime from a Bank with MTN?

You can use your bank’s USSD code, the MTN mobile app, or your bank’s app to recharge directly from your account.

6. Where Can I Buy Data at a Cheaper Price in Nigeria?

If you’re looking for where to buy affordable data in Nigeria, Cardtonic is a solid choice. You not only get data bundles across all major networks, but you also earn cashback with every purchase, so you’re technically saving while recharging.

Conclusion

And that’s everything you need to know about buying airtime in Nigeria. Whether you’re on MTN, Airtel, GLO, or 9Mobile, you’ve got options that are quick, stress-free, and work anytime, even when the recharge card guy has closed shop.

If you want to save money while recharging, Cardtonic gives you up to 5% cashback, plus a smooth experience with no OTP wahala. Just open the app or visit the site, and in a few taps, your airtime is sorted.