Running out of balance at the worst possible moment? Etisalat’s emergency credit advance service lets you borrow airtime when your prepaid balance hits zero — useful for urgent calls, critical messages, or simply staying connected until you can recharge.
Quick answer
Dial *108# for the menu, *108*1# for an instant loan, or SMS “LOAN” to 1080 to skip the menu entirely. The borrowed amount plus a small service fee is deducted from your next recharge.
Three ways to request it
- USSD menu: *108# shows available loan amounts to choose from
- Instant USSD: *108*1# requests a loan immediately, no menu
- SMS: text “LOAN” to 1080 — fastest if you’d rather not dial at all
How the Etisalat loan service works
Etisalat calls this “Reserve Credit” or “Advance Balance.” Once your balance drops below a threshold, you become eligible to borrow between AED 3 and AED 10, depending on usage history and recharge patterns.
Eligibility requirements
You generally need a SIM active for at least 30 days with a history of regular recharges, a balance below AED 5, and no outstanding loan from a previous advance.
Repayment
Fully automatic: your next recharge has the loan amount plus a service fee (typically AED 0.50–1.00) deducted before any credit reaches your usable balance. No interest — just the flat fee.
Verified against e&’s official Reserve Credit guidance, August 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Check your eligibility
Ensure your prepaid balance is below AED 5 and you have no outstanding loans. Your SIM should have been active for at least 30 days with a history of recharges.
- 2
Dial the emergency credit code
Open your phone dialer and type *108# then press Call. A menu will appear showing available loan amounts. Select the amount you want, or use *108*1# for an instant loan request.
- 3
Confirm and use your credit
Follow the confirmation prompt (usually press 1 to confirm). The borrowed credit will be added to your balance within seconds. You'll receive an SMS confirming the loan amount and service fee.
Alternative Methods
Dial *108# from your phone dialer.
SMS "LOAN" to 1080
My Etisalat App > Services > Reserve Credit
Troubleshooting
Error message: "You are not eligible for this service"
This means your account doesn't meet the eligibility criteria. Possible reasons: your SIM is too new (less than 30 days old), you have an outstanding unpaid loan, or your recharge history is insufficient. Try recharging regularly for a few weeks and try again.
Loan amount seems lower than expected
The loan amount depends on your recharge history. New customers typically qualify for only AED 3, while long-term customers with regular recharges may get up to AED 10. Keep a consistent recharge pattern to increase your eligible amount over time.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow from Etisalat emergency credit?
Typically AED 3 to AED 10, depending on your recharge history and account standing.
Is there a fee?
Yes, roughly AED 0.50 to AED 1 per transaction, deducted along with the loan amount at your next recharge.
Can postpaid users get emergency credit?
No — this service is prepaid-only, since postpaid accounts are already billed monthly.
Is the SMS method really faster than dialing?
Yes — texting "LOAN" to 1080 skips USSD menu navigation entirely.