This article was updated on 15 July 2022
Thanks to Vodacom's Airtime and Data Advance, you now have access to airtime or data when you need it most. This means you can stay connected and continue making calls or using data services whenever you’re unable to buy recharge vouchers.
What is Airtime Advance?
It is a self-service option that allows Vodacom prepaid customers to receive airtime or data in advance and pay for it later. This means that customers can get access to emergency airtime or data when they really need it most.
How does Airtime Advance work?
When you're out of airtime, you can get R20, R10, R5 or maximum airtime (depending on what you qualify for) or get data advances and only pay the next time you recharge your account.
Simply dial *135# and choose option 6 or *135*082# and then select ‘Airtime & Transfers’
- Select from the Data Advance options as per your qualifying criteria.
- Reply ‘1’ to proceed.
- You will then see the confirmation message: “You have requested RXX Data Advance, which will include an additional R1.10 access fee [to be deducted from your next recharge].” to see if you qualify for Vodacom Airtime Advance.
An access fee of R1.10 will apply. The Airtime Advance value must be paid back within 180 days from the date of the request. If you don’t recharge and the full amount is not paid back within that duration, you will not be able to use this service and your credit limit will be decreased.
However, if you’re a Top Up or uChoose customer and don't recharge before your next account invoice is generated, the amount you are owing will be added to your next bill. If you still do not make payment, your Airtime Advance service will be cancelled.
How do I check my airtime balance?
Simply dial *135# or check on www.vodacom.co.za to view your available and outstanding balances, or view your payments and outstanding amounts.
How do I get Data Advance?
- If you qualify for Data Advance, dial *135# or *135*082# and then select ‘Airtime & Transfers’
- Select from the Data Advance options as per your qualifying criteria.
- Reply ‘1’ to proceed.
- You will then see the confirmation message: “You have requested RXX Data Advance, which will include an additional R1.10 access fee [to be deducted from your next recharge].”
Alternatively you can visit www.vodacom.co.za select “Airtime Advance” and follow the steps
How much does Airtime Advance Cost?
The cost of taking an Airtime or Data Advance is just R1.00 (VAT inclusive) per advance for both Airtime and Data Advances taken on or before 12 June 2022.
For Airtime and Data Advances taken after 21 June 2022, the access fee is R1.10 (VAT inclusive) per Advance. This cost is over and above the Airtime Advance amount or Data Advance.
How will I know if I qualify for Vodacom Airtime Advance?
You must have:
- Been active on our network for at least 3 months
- Recharged with a minimum total of at least R29 per month over 3 months
To see if you qualify for Vodacom Airtime Advance, simply dial *135#. You can also read Airtime Advance terms and conditions to find out if you qualify for the service.
Can I purchase data bundles with Airtime Advance?
Yes, airtime from Airtime Advance can be used like normal airtime to buy data bundles.
Does the airtime I get from Airtime Advance expire?
No, airtime from Airtime Advance is like normal airtime and does not expire.
I took an Airtime Advance but did not get Night Shift, Talking Points or Extra Airtime?
The allocation of Airtime Advance does not trigger any recharge benefits/incentives. When you recharge to pay your outstanding Airtime Advances, this will trigger recharge benefits such as Night Shift, Talking Points, Extra Airtime, etc.
Why did my Airtime Advance total limit change?
Your Airtime Advance total credit limit is dependent on how often and by how much you recharge; if you keep your recharges (amount and frequency) the same, your limit will remain the same, but if your recharges change, your total credit limit will increase or decrease based on your recharges.
Where did my airtime go when I recharged?
Outstanding Airtime Advances are deducted from your next recharge(s) until the full outstanding amount is paid.
I took an Airtime Advance of R10 but R11 was taken when I recharged. What happened?
Your Airtime Advance was taken on or before 21 June 2022 and you were charged a R1.00 Access Fee that was added to your outstanding amount and deducted from your next recharge(s).
I took an Airtime Advance of R10 but R11.10 was taken when I recharged. What happened?
Your Airtime Advance was taken after the 21 June 2022 and you were charged a R1.10 Access Fee that was added to your outstanding amount and deducted from your next recharge(s).
My friend transferred some airtime to me via Airtime Transfer but it did not go through and they were ‘charged’. What happened to the airtime?
All recharges as well as incoming Airtime Transfers will be deducted to pay any outstanding Airtime Advances.
Can I transfer airtime that I get from Airtime Advance?
Yes, airtime from Airtime Advance can be used like normal airtime. It can be transferred as per the Airtime Transfer rules.
Can I transfer data that I get from Data Advance?
No, the data from Data Advance cannot be transferred to another customer.
How do I check how much Airtime Advance I owe Vodacom for?
Simply dial *135*082# or www.vodacom.co.za and follow the menu.
What is the additional charge on my monthly bill?
uChoose or Top Up customer? If the advance is not paid by the end of the calendar month, the outstanding amount will be added to your monthly bill for that calendar month.
Why am I not able to use the Airtime Advance service?
- You need to qualify to use the service. Only Prepaid, uChoose and Top Up customers are eligible to use the service.
- Pepaid customers need to have been active on the network for at least 3 months, and must have recharged with a cumulative value of R29 per month for at least 3 consecutive months. An extended credit criteria is applied, so if you meet the activity and recharge criteria but still can’t use the service now, then keep recharging and check back in a month or two.
- uChoose / Top Up customer? You need to have paid your account up to one month prior before you can qualify to use the service. Accounts in arrears do not qualify for Airtime Advance.
