MTN Recharge Codes Explained: *311*PIN#, *161*PIN# and the Old Ones
MTN Recharge Bonus Offers and Codes: Which One Do You Dial?
The recharge codes you will meet, which ones are confirmed, and where bonuses really come from.
Dial the wrong recharge code and nothing dramatic happens, but you might miss a bonus. Dial the right one and the PIN goes in cleanly. This page sorts the codes you will see for recharging an MTN line, and which ones matter.
Which code do you dial?
| Code | What it does | Status |
|---|---|---|
| *311*PIN# | Standard recharge with a card PIN | Common code used on all Nigerian networks; used in MTN’s own help pages |
| *161*PIN# | Welcome Back recharge for eligible dormant customers | Confirmed by MTN; no bonus if you are not eligible |
| *311# | Recharge menu | Common network code |
| *555*PIN# | Older MTN recharge code | Seen in older guides; not confirmed by MTN’s current pages |
| *888*PIN# | AWUF4U bonus recharge | Older offer reported in guides; not on MTN’s current pages |
How to recharge in 4 steps
Where bonuses come in
MTN’s current recharge bonus on record is the Welcome Back Recharge Offer, for dormant lines. If you qualify, your normal recharge gets an SMS telling you to dial *161*PIN# next time. That offer accepts only physical or logical cards from ₦50 to ₦1,500.
For other bonuses, you usually qualify through the way you buy data, not the way you recharge. See our guide to MTN bonus offers for the list.
If your recharge fails
- Check each digit. One wrong digit is the most common reason.
- Make sure the card has not already been used.
- Try again after a minute, because USSD can time out.
- If it keeps failing, dial 300 and give MTN the PIN and the time of the attempt.
Recharge amounts and limits
The Welcome Back recharge works only for amounts from ₦50 to ₦1,500. If you recharge less than ₦50 or more than ₦1,500, you do not get the bonus, but you do get the face value in your main account.
Quick tips
- Recharge once with the exact code for your offer rather than splitting the card.
- Check *310# straight after to confirm both main and bonus balances.
- Treat codes from social media posts with suspicion. Confirm in the myMTN app or on 300.
Is there a bonus on every MTN recharge?
I found no current MTN page that lists one. Targeted offers such as Welcome Back exist.
What is the difference between a physical and a logical card?
A physical card is a scratch card. A logical card is an electronic PIN you receive digitally.
What if I dial *161# and I am not eligible?
MTN says you still get the face value, just no bonus.