GTBank Introduces 2.95% Quick Airtime Loan, Challenges Telcos’ 15% Credit Charges

GTBank Introduces 2.95% Quick Airtime Loan, Challenges Telcos’ 15% Credit Charges

LAGOS, NIGERIA – February 17, 2026 –

Guarantee Trust Bank   (GTBank) has launched a new digital product, Quick Airtime Loan, offering customers instant access to airtime credit at a significantly reduced rate of 2.95 percent, a move poised to disrupt the telecom-led airtime credit market where charges average 15 percent.

The product, unveiled on Monday, enables eligible customers to borrow between ₦100 and ₦10,000 by dialling 73790#, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even when account balances are low.

In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected environment, running out of airtime can result in missed calls, delayed transactions, and lost business opportunities. GTBank said the Quick Airtime Loan was designed to address this gap by providing an affordable, bank-led alternative to traditional telecom credit services.

The service is available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria and will soon be expanded to include data loans, further strengthening its appeal as an on-demand digital solution.

For years, airtime borrowing has largely been controlled by telecom operators, who charge up to 15 percent for the service. By introducing a 2.95 percent pricing structure, GTBank is positioning itself as a more customer-centric and cost-effective option for millions of Nigerians.

Speaking on the launch, the Managing Director of GTBank, Miriam Olusanya, said the new offering reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering relevant and accessible digital solutions.

According to her, the product leverages the bank’s digital infrastructure and lending capabilities, alongside the payment technology expertise of , to create a seamless end-to-end customer experience.

She noted that the initiative underscores the strength of GTBank’s integrated financial ecosystem, combining banking services, payment solutions, and digital channels to enhance customer convenience.

The Quick Airtime Loan also reinforces the broader strategy of (GTCO) to operate as a diversified financial services group, leveraging subsidiaries such as HabariPay and its Squad platform to deepen digital innovation.

Industry observers say the development could intensify competition between banks and telecom operators in the fast-growing micro-credit and digital payments space.

GTBank has long been regarded as a pioneer in Nigeria’s digital banking landscape, particularly with its widely used *737# USSD platform and QuickCredit lending solution. The introduction of the Quick Airtime Loan further expands its suite of digital-first products aimed at improving financial access and convenience.

GTBank is the flagship banking subsidiary of GTCO Plc, with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. HabariPay serves as the Group’s fintech arm, focusing on secure and accessible digital payment solutions for individuals and businesses.