Need to send airtime in 2025? This guide breaks down 3 easy methods—including USSD, bank apps, and Cardtonic—to help you send airtime easily.
"Hello, the best sister in the whole world. Can you please send me money for airtime?"
We all know that when our loved ones describe us as “the best,” there is a high probability that they are about to ask for airtime money. And, honestly, when they ask for basic things like airtime, the least we can do is send it to them.
I'll walk you through three easy methods to send airtime to your loved ones, step by step. Let’s get into it!
3 Easy Ways to Send Airtime to Your Loved Ones in 2025
There are three simple ways to send airtime to your loved ones. They include using the USSD code of your network, transferring from fintech apps like Cardtonic, and sending directly from your bank app.
1 USSD Code:
Using the USSD code is the easiest and most convenient method of transferring airtime to your loved one. It doesn't require internet access, but you must have more airtime on your SIM than you want to send.
The airtime you transfer will be deducted directly from your balance.
To get started, dial *321# on your phone. A list of options will pop up on your screen. Click on “easy share” or “credit share”, enter the person's phone number, follow the prompts, and complete the transaction.
Luckily, all local Nigerian networks now use the same USSD code. Hence, you don't have to cram different codes for different numbers.
As simple as using USSD code is, it has one tiny downside. Most of the time, you cannot send airtime to another network. That is, if you are a Glo user, you can only share airtime with another Glo number.
2. Bank Apps:
As technology evolves, local banks like UBA, First, Zenith, and Diamond banks now have active bank apps. These apps offer nearly all the same services as visiting a physical branch.
Aside from transferring cash and checking your account statement, you can also use your bank app to send airtime to your loved ones.
To start, download the app on your mobile device and follow the login instructions. Afterwards, check the dashboard for keywords like payment or recharge. These keywords indicate the icons to tap to carry out the airtime transfer process.
Once you've filled in the required details, enter your PIN to complete the transaction. The airtime amount will be deducted directly from your bank account.
3. Fintech Apps: Cardtonic
In my opinion, everyone should use Fintech apps to send airtime to their loved ones. Using fintech apps is not just easy; they are fast, safe, and secure.
Cardtonic is undoubtedly the best fintech app you can use to buy airtime for your loved one. Aside from it being easy to navigate, you get cashback for every airtime you buy. This means buying airtime for your loved ones also grants you a cash bonus.
Another advantage of using fintech apps over USSD is that you can send airtime to any network. You are not restricted by the network of your sim.
Asides from buying airtime, you can also use Cardtonic to pay electricity bills online, trade gift cards, and even get a virtual dollar card.
10 Steps to Send Airtime to Your Loved Ones Using Cardtonic
Cardtonic is one of those fintech apps you shouldn't sleep on. You just need to install the app, sign in, select bills, select the network you want, and input the amount you want to complete the transaction.
Below are 10 steps to buy airtime for your loved ones on Cardtonic.
Step 1: Download the Cardtonic app.
Step 2: Log in or Sign up.
Step 3: Navigate the dashboard, locate and tap on “Bill payment”.
Step 4: Click on airtime.
Step 5: Choose a network provider.
Step 6: Enter the recipient's phone number.
Step 7: Enter the amount you want to send.
Step 8: Click on purchase.
Step 9: Confirm the bill summary and click on “Proceed”
Step 10: Enter your PIN, and the amount will be deducted from your Cardtonic balance.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Send Airtime
1. How Can I Transfer Glo Airtime with Ease?
If you want to transfer Glo airtime, I suggest you use the USSD method. Dial *321# to get started. This will help you transfer Glo airtime from your account to another Glo account.
2. How Can I Transfer Airtime from MTN to Another MTN Number?
To transfer airtime from your MTN line to another MTN number, simply dial *321# on your phone. From the options that appear, select “Airtime Transfer”, then follow the prompts. Enter the recipient’s number and the amount you want to send. Confirm the details, and the airtime will be transferred instantly.
3. How Can I Send Airtime Using the Airtel App?
First, download the Airtel app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Log in using your Airtel number. Once you're in, navigate through the app and select “Transfer Airtime.” Follow the steps on your screen to complete the transfer.
4. How Can I Buy Glo Airtime Online?
If you are still wondering how to buy Glo airtime online, all you need to do is download Cardtonic. Sign in, click on bills, select Glo as your network, enter the amount you want, and your transaction is complete. With Cardtonic, you don't have to be a Glo user to buy Glo airtime online.
5. How Can I Send Airtime from My Airtime Balance?
If you want to send airtime from your balance, you must follow the USSD code route for airtime transfer. Dial *321# to get started.
6. What is the Code for Gifting Airtime on 9mobile?
As mentioned earlier, a universal code exists to transfer airtime from any mobile network. Hence, the code to gift airtime on 9mobile is *321#
Conclusion
Now you know—sending airtime to your loved ones in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you're using the USSD code, just dial *321#. If you prefer bank apps or fintech platforms like Cardtonic, download the app, follow a few simple steps, and you’re done.
Let it not be said that in big 2025, you still don’t know how to transfer airtim
