/Sending Money/Send Airtime

How To Send Airtime

Airtime is a popular form of prepaid credit used to top up mobile phones. This how-to-guide provides readers with all the information they need to send airtime to recipients, wherever they are in the world.

Artiom Pucinskij
Author 
Artiom Pucinskij
3 minutes
January 24th, 2023
Affiliate Disclosure
Money Transfer Comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll find you the best rates.
Send

What is airtime?

Sending airtime, or purchasing airtime top-up, refers to the process of adding credit to a recipient's phone plan. This form of money transfer is popular worldwide as it allows customers to remotely reload the balance of a recipient's phone credit, which can come in handy in an emergency or for expats living overseas.

What information will I need to send airtime?

To send airtime to a recipient in the same country or overseas, you will need the following details:

  • Full name of the recipient

  • Mobile number and service provider

  • Payment method: credit or debit card are the most widely accepted forms of payment for airtime purchases

When will I need to send airtime?

Whether you need to help someone in the same country or internationally, airtime top-up is a very convenient method of money transfer: as long as you use a secure, trusted provider.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are required to purchase airtime, there are many options available, which we will run through in detail in the Where can I purchase airtime section below.

What countries can I send airtime to?

Customers in almost all countries will be able to receive airtime, depending on the service provider you send airtime with. It is essential to ensure the provider you are considering can facilitate airtime top-up to the country you need. Governments in some countries apply taxes to airtime top-ups received from overseas, which could mean your recipient sees some of the total value deducted during the transaction. Typically, however, you will be informed of this during the transaction process.

Where can I purchase airtime?

Depending on where in the world you and your recipient are located, airtime can be purchased from many different vendors. These include money transfer providers, currency exchange operators, convenience stores and post offices: certain banks also provide airtime top-up services.

While it is not hard to find companies offering airtime services, we would recommend using one of the following trusted providers:

WorldRemit

Users can top up the recipient’s prepaid phone to enable them to send text messages and make calls; country-specific availability can be found here.

Xoom

Customers can send airtime to prepaid mobile phones in minutes using PayPal-owned international remittance platform, Xoom.

How long does it take for airtime to be received?

Due to the nature of this kind of transfer, mobile airtime services are usually instant, with funds sent to the recipient within minutes of payment being initiated. Find out more about how to Send Money Instantly.

Can I cancel airtime?

This is down to the provider, but typically, once airtime top-up has been sent to a recipient's phone number, there is no way to stop the transfer or reclaim the funds.

For this reason, most providers ask for the sender to enter the recipient's details more than once to confirm that the information is correct and no mistake has been made.

Summary

Airtime top-up is a widespread type of money transfer, but for some people, it can prove to be somewhat of an obstacle to overcome. In order to accomplish an effective, successful airtime top-up, we recommend using a verified, trusted provider, allowing plenty of time and double-checking all details before submitting payment.

Related Content

Please have a read of some of our other guides to learn more about a range of topics related to global money transfers.

Related Content

The safest way to transfer money is to use a reputable, regulated money transfer provider or your bank account. Companies specialising in international payments, with robust security measures will help protect both parties involved in an international transaction. Like all matters related to personal finance, whether this is personal loans or understanding your credit score, it is hugely important to assess all your options when transferring funds. This ensures the safest, cheapest and fastest money transfers for your needs.
May 25th, 2023
When looking for the best way to transfer money internationally, there are several factors to consider. Speed versus cost, convenience versus security, the destination, the amount of money you are sending: all of these things can have a significant impact on what is the 'right' way for you to send your money internationally. The easiest way to send money will change depending on your specific needs.
February 14th, 2023
When sending money internationally, choosing the right service can save you both money and time. While banks offer online money transfer services, they often charge high fees and exchange rate margins that can eat into your transfer amount. Fortunately, there are other payment service providers that can help you send money faster and cheaper than is possible with traditional banks.
February 13th, 2023
International money transfers are processed every single day for millions of people around the world. You could be living abroad and sending money back home to family, or perhaps you’re supporting a loved one travelling the world. You might need to send money abroad to make a foreign property purchase, or you could be a business working with contractors around the globe. Whatever the reason for your international money transfer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential tax implications.
February 10th, 2023
Sometimes you need to send money overseas urgently: it could be an unforeseen crisis, to pay a bill that is overdue, or for a loved one who is overseas and needs help. Whatever the case may be, if you need to send money instantly, there are plenty of options out there, but you will need to find the best provider for your needs. This helpful guide will take you through all the information you need to send money online instantly.
February 10th, 2023

Contributors

Artiom Pucinskij
Artiom is a marketing graduate from the University of Portsmouth and has been working across personal finance and remittance industries for several years. He optimises the organic experience on MoneyTransfers.com with the content team, manages and creates unique marketing tactics, and generally supports the overall growth of the website.
MoneyTransfers 2024. All Rights Reserved.