You can probably relate to over-recharging your phone’s airtime while trying to buy airtime from your bank app at least once or twice. That point when you miscount the number of zeros and somehow recharge ₦10,000 instead of ₦1,000, then start looking for who to sell the airtime to get cash back.
Literally, you hawking airtime
What if I told you there’s a way to get your money back in your bank account without looking for airtime buyers everywhere? Here’s a list of sites you can use to convert your airtime from all networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile) to cash without breaking a sweat.
Recharge2Cash
Image: Recharge2Cash
As the name implies, this app allows Nigerians to convert airtime they don’t need into cash, which they can then deposit into their bank accounts.
How it works
- Download the Recharge2Cash app from the App Store or Google Play store, then create an account with details like your bank account and BVN details. You just need to sign in if you already have a Recharge2Cash account.
- Go to the “Airtime to Cash” page, choose the network you want to convert, type in the credit amount and phone number (that has the airtime), and then click on “Continue Transaction”.
- The app will provide you with a phone number to transfer the airtime. Whether you use MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile networks, you can perform the airtime transfer action by dialling *321# and following the instructions.
- Once you’ve completed the transfer, return to the app and click “Convert airtime.” Once Recharge2Cash confirms the transfer, your wallet will be credited, typically taking 5-10 minutes. You can then withdraw the cash from the wallet to your bank account.
Recharge2Cash charges at least 20% for MTN airtime to cash, 25% for 9Mobile, and 35% for Airtel and Glo.
PalmPay
Image: PalmPay
PalmPay is a financial services platform that allows users to save money and access short-term loans. Interestingly, the PalmPay app also has a Recharge2Cash plug-in, which enables PalmPay users to convert airtime to cash without necessarily opening a separate Recharge2Cash account.
How it works
- You should already be a PalmPay user in order to take advantage of this service. Just open your PalmPay app and click the “Recharge2Cash” icon.
- Choose your network (MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9Mobile) and input the OTP sent to your phone.
- Choose your preferred amount for airtime conversion to cash and then confirm the amount you will get after the service fee deduction. The service fee is usually 12% on every airtime-to-cash transaction.
- Click “convert” to receive the cash in your PalmPay account within a few minutes.
You can convert airtime between ₦50 and ₦5000 on PalmPay, and transactions are mostly seamless.
Prestmit
Image: Prestmit
Prestmit is a similar service that charges at least 20% to convert airtime from all networks to usable cash. Airtime conversion is only available on the app version, but the platform also allows users to buy airtime, top-up data, purchase gift cards, and trade crypto.
How it works
- Download the Prestmit app on the App Store or Google Play Store, create an account, and click “Sell airtime”.
- Select the network provider and enter the amount of airtime you want to sell. You will see the minimum/maximum acceptable amounts and the expected amount you will receive in return. Then click “Continue.” PS: The number on your Prestmit profile has to be the one from which you intend to transfer the airtime.
- The app will provide a phone number to which you can send the airtime. As stated above, you can do this with the *321# code. Once you’ve done the transfer, take a screenshot and upload it to the “upload” field.
- The platform should credit your account within a few minutes of confirmation.
AirtimeFlip
Image: AirtimeFlip
If you’re an MTN user, you might prefer AirtimeFlip. The platform charges 19% to convert MTN airtime to cash and a bit more for Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile users. They also charge ₦50 to withdraw converted cash from the AirtimeFlip wallet to your actual bank account.
How it works
- Create an account on airtimeflip.com and input your details as required.
- Select the “Convert airtime” option and input your network provider, phone number, and the amount of airtime you wish to convert. Then click “next”.
- You’ll be shown a phone number to which you can transfer the airtime. Dial the *321# code and then upload a screenshot confirmation.
- Once the platform confirms the transaction, they’ll credit your wallet with the cash within 5-30 minutes.
Zoranga
Image: Zoranga
Zoranga is another mobile money transfer service that converts airtime to cash. However, it appears they only serve MTN and 9Mobile users.
How it works
- Visit the Zoranga website, click signup, and select “personal account” to create a free account.
- Log in, click “deposit money”, then select your network provider. You’ll be required to input the amount you wish to transfer, after which you’ll be provided with a phone number to which you can send the airtime.
- Afterwards, you can click the “transfer money” link and enter your bank account to receive the cash you just converted. Bank transfers are free.
Zoranga charges between 22% and 32% on all airtime-to-cash transactions, and bank transfers typically take at least five minutes.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Thus, do not take it as financial advice. Please do your research before you use any of these platforms.
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