Running out of mobile balance in the middle of an urgent call, when you’re trying to order a Careem, or right before a one-time password (OTP) arrives is more than annoying—it can break workflows. Etisalat by e& knows this pain point, which is why its Credit Advance / Loan Credit feature lets prepaid users instantly “borrow” airtime and pay it back automatically on their next recharge.

This guide from TheDubaiWeb.com (your trusted local authority on telecom, travel, lifestyle, and money how‑tos in the UAE) explains exactly how to take a loan in Etisalat, who’s eligible, what it costs, all working USSD codes, SMS options, app flows, common errors, and smart alternatives.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

What is it called? Credit Advance, Loan Credit, Emergency Credit, or just “Etisalat loan”.
Who can use it? Prepaid Etisalat UAE users who meet simple eligibility rules (active SIM, regular top-ups, no unpaid previous loan).
How to take the loan (fastest ways):
- Dial *505# or *108# and follow the on‑screen menu.
- Or open the My Etisalat UAE app → Manage → Credit Advance (wording may vary).
How much can you borrow? Typically AED 5–50 (the system shows you the exact amount you qualify for).
Any fees? Yes, a small convenience fee is shown before you accept. You get slightly less than you request.
Repayment? Automatic—Etisalat deducts the loan + fee from your next recharge.

What Exactly Is Etisalat’s “Loan Credit / Credit Advance”?

It’s a micro-credit feature for prepaid SIMs that provides instant temporary balance you can spend on calls, SMS, and mobile data. Think of it as an SOS top-up that bridges the gap until you can recharge. The amount you qualify for dynamically depends on your SIM age, recharge history, and prior repayments.

Important: This is not available on postpaid plans. If you’re on postpaid, consider add-on data/call boosters or spending limit tweaks in the My Etisalat UAE app instead.

Eligibility: Do You Qualify for an Etisalat Loan?

While Etisalat doesn’t publicly publish a single hard rulebook (it can change and is algorithmic), in practice most users must meet these baseline criteria:

You’re a prepaid user (not postpaid or business pooled accounts).
Your line is active (SIM not suspended, expired, or newly activated minutes ago).
You’ve recharged regularly (a consistent top-up history helps the algorithm trust you).
No outstanding loan (clear any previous Credit Advance first).
Minimum SIM age (often at least a few weeks to a couple of months of activity).

Not eligible today? Keep using and recharging your line consistently—eligibility usually improves over time.

How to Take a Loan in Etisalat (All Working Methods)

1) USSD: The fastest, no-internet way

Dial *505# (commonly used) or *108#.
You’ll see a menu with the loan amount you’re eligible for.
Confirm to receive the credit instantly.
A small service fee is deducted, so the net balance you receive may be a bit less.

Seeing different menus? Etisalat occasionally restructures its USSD trees. If *505# doesn’t respond, try *108# or use the app.

2) My Etisalat UAE App

Open the My Etisalat UAE app (iOS / Android).
Go to Manage → Balance / Credit Advance (label sometimes varies).
The app will show your eligible amount and fee.
Accept and the credit hits your account instantly.

3) IVR / Customer Care

Call 101 (Etisalat customer care) and navigate to balance services, or speak with an agent to request a Credit Advance if you’re eligible.

4) SMS (when enabled)

Etisalat occasionally enables SMS triggers (e.g., sending a keyword to a short code). If you spot this in an official message from Etisalat, you can follow it—but USSD and the app remain the most consistent pathways.

How Much Can You Borrow? (Typical Ranges)

Most prepaid users will see AED 5, 10, 20, up to 50 as available options—but it’s personalised. The higher and more consistent your recharges and usage, the larger your credit limit tends to be. You’ll always see exact numbers on the USSD/app screen before you accept.

Fees, Taxes & What You Actually Receive

Etisalat charges a small convenience/service fee.
This fee is clearly displayed before you confirm.
Example pattern (illustrative): Request AED 10, receive AED 9–9.5 net.
No hidden repayments—the fee is added to the principal and auto-deducted on your next recharge.

Repayment: 100% Automatic

Once you recharge next time, Etisalat will automatically deduct:
(Borrowed Amount + Service Fee) = Total Repayment

If you recharge less than what you owe, the system will keep deducting from subsequent top-ups until the loan is cleared. You can’t take another loan while a balance is outstanding.

Troubleshooting & Common Errors

“You are not eligible right now.”

Your SIM might be too new, inactive, or you may have no strong recharge history. Keep using your SIM normally, recharge consistently, and try again after a few weeks.

“Outstanding loan exists.”

Clear the previous Credit Advance first. Recharge enough to cover the loan + fee, then try again.

USSD Menu Doesn’t Work

Try the alternate code (*505# vs *108#).
Or use the My Etisalat UAE app (most reliable).
Make sure airtime and network coverage are stable.

“121170#” confusion

That isn’t the standard Etisalat Credit Advance code in the UAE. If you’ve seen it on a forum or old guide, ignore it and use *505#, *108#, the app, or 101. Codes evolve—always trust the menus you see live.

Recommended: How to Check Etisalat Balance

Can You Use Etisalat Loan Credit While Roaming?

Generally, Credit Advance is intended for domestic UAE usage. While you might be able to trigger it if your SIM is active and eligible, using the borrowed amount on roaming may be restricted or burn fast at roaming rates. If you’re travelling, consider roaming packs instead.

Postpaid? Here’s What to Do Instead

If you’re postpaid, you won’t get the prepaid loan. Instead:

Add data or voice boosters in the My Etisalat UAE app.
Adjust your spending limit.
Explore Family Packages, Data Add-ons, or Pay-per-use controls.

Responsible Use: Think of It Like Micro-Credit

Treat Credit Advance like a micro-loan: useful in a pinch, not a habit. If you find yourself borrowing every week, switch to a larger, better-value prepaid package or a postpaid plan that fits your actual usage.

Smart Alternatives (Often Cheaper)

Autopay or Scheduled Recharge via bank card.
Data add-ons instead of borrowing to browse.
Wi-Fi offload (Dubai Metro, cafes, malls like Dubai Mall, City Centre Deira, Bluewaters Island all offer Wi‑Fi options).
Family or shared data bundles (if you manage multiple numbers).
Switching to a monthly combo pack that matches your call/data appetite.

Recommended Guide:

FAQ

1) How can I take a loan from Etisalat?

Dial *505# or *108#, or use the My Etisalat UAE app → Credit Advance, then follow the prompts to accept the displayed amount.

2) What is the code for Etisalat credit loans?

The most commonly used short codes are *505# and *108#. If one doesn’t respond, try the other or switch to the app.

3) **What is `121170#` Etisalat?**

That’s not the standard UAE Credit Advance code. It’s either outdated, promotional, or referenced from a different market. Stick with *505#, *108#, the My Etisalat UAE app, or 101.

4) How do I request credit on Etisalat without internet?

Use USSD: *505# or *108#. No data connection required.

5) Who can borrow credit on Etisalat?

Prepaid subscribers with an active SIM, regular top-ups, and no unpaid previous loan.

6) How much can I borrow (minimum/maximum)?

Usually AED 5 to AED 50. The exact number depends on your usage, recharge frequency, and tenure. The system tells you what you qualify for.

7) Is there a fee or tax?

Yes. Etisalat applies a small convenience fee. You’ll see it before you confirm. You receive slightly less than the face amount.

8) How is the loan repaid?

Automatically from your next recharge(s) until it’s fully cleared.

9) Can postpaid users take a loan?

No. This is only for prepaid customers. Postpaid users can add boosters or adjust spending caps.

10) I’m roaming—can I still borrow credit?

Borrowing while roaming isn’t guaranteed and usage may be limited. It’s wiser to activate a roaming pack instead.

11) What if I can’t repay immediately?

You simply won’t be able to take another loan until the outstanding amount is auto-deducted from your upcoming recharges.

12) My code doesn’t work—what now?

Try the alternate USSD (*505# vs *108#).
Use the My Etisalat UAE app.
Ensure your SIM is active and you don’t owe a prior loan.
Contact 101 if the issue persists.

Final Word

Etisalat’s Credit Advance is the UAE prepaid user’s safety net—a small, instant, no-hassle loan that keeps you connected when it matters most. Use it sparingly, repay it promptly, and if you’re borrowing regularly, switch to a plan that actually fits your real usage. For more UAE telecom and money-saving breakdowns, keep TheDubaiWeb.com bookmarked.

Author
Recent Posts

Shahzeen Usman

Shahzeen is a full-time content writer and passionate storyteller, dedicated to covering the latest trends, breaking news, and viral stories on TheDubaiWeb.com. With a sharp eye for what’s new and now, she delivers engaging, up-to-date content that keeps readers informed and entertained.

Latest posts by Shahzeen Usman (see all)