If your Etisalat prepaid account has no balance but you need to make an important call or send an SMS, Etisalat Reserve Credit can offer a quick fix. In the UAE, e& (formerly Etisalat) lets prepaid subscribers access mobile credit and repay it automatically on top-ups. This guide explains how to get an Etisalat loan, the activation code, eligibility requirements, available credit, repayment method, and alternatives such as requesting credit from another Etisalat user.
It is important to note that in this article, the term “Etisalat loan” refers to the Reserve Credit service for prepaid mobile users. It is different from a personal or cash loan.
What Is an Etisalat Loan?
An Etisalat “loan” is commonly used to describe e& Reserve Credit, a service that allows eligible prepaid customers to borrow mobile credit when their balance runs out.
According to e&, eligible prepaid users can borrow up to AED 50 in Reserve Credit. The borrowed amount can be used for voice calls, local and international SMS, or a Non-stop Silver data plan. Once you recharge your number, the Reserve Credit amount you used is automatically deducted from your recharge. Therefore, if you are searching for an Etisalat emergency loan code, the relevant service is Reserve Credit rather than a conventional bank-style loan.
How to Get Etisalat Loan Using the Reserve Credit Code
Getting Reserve Credit is relatively straightforward if your prepaid number meets e&’s eligibility requirements.
Etisalat Reserve Credit Code
Dial: *108*1#
Then follow the instructions displayed on your phone. According to the current e& UAE support information, this USSD code is used to subscribe to Reserve Credit.
Step-by-Step Process
- Open the Phone/Dialer application on your mobile.
- Enter *108*1#.
- Press the Call button.
- Follow the instructions shown on your screen.
- If your number is eligible, the available Reserve Credit will be activated.
- You can then use the credit for supported mobile services, including making cheap international calls through Etisalat India Calling Offers UAE or subscribing to the Etisalat 2 Fils Per Minute Call Package.
How Much Etisalat Loan Can You Get?
Eligible customers can receive up to AED 50 through the Reserve Credit service. However, the exact amount available to an individual customer can depend on their eligibility and account circumstances.
| Feature | Etisalat Reserve Credit |
| Maximum Reserve Credit | Up to AED 50 |
| Service type | Prepaid mobile credit |
| Activation code | *108*1# |
| Minimum prepaid usage period | 3 months |
| Minimum monthly usage | AED 10/month |
| Repayment | Automatically deducted from recharge |
| Can be used for | Calls, SMS and eligible data services |
These eligibility conditions and the maximum amount are published by e& UAE.
Note: e& describes the service as providing credit of up to AED 50. This does not necessarily mean every eligible number will receive AED 50.
Who Is Eligible for Etisalat Reserve Credit?
Not every prepaid customer can immediately use Reserve Credit. e& currently states that customers must meet the following basic conditions:
1. Your Number Must Be Prepaid
Reserve Credit is designed for eligible prepaid users.
2. You Must Have Used the Number for at Least 3 Months
According to e&, you need to have been a prepaid customer for a minimum of three months.
3. You Should Have at Least AED 10 Monthly Usage
e& states that eligible users should have usage of at least AED 10 per month.
Consequently, a newly activated prepaid SIM may not qualify immediately for the service.
When Can You Use Etisalat Reserve Credit?
Reserve Credit can be useful when you suddenly run out of prepaid balance and need mobile services without immediately purchasing a recharge.
For example, you might use it when:
- You need to make an urgent voice call.
- You need to send an SMS.
- Your prepaid balance has reached zero.
- You need an eligible Non-stop Silver data plan.
- You are temporarily unable to recharge your account.
e& specifically states that Reserve Credit can be used for voice calls, local and international SMS, and a Non-stop Silver data plan. If you need short-term internet access after getting your loan, see our guide on Etisalat One Day Data Package UAE.
How Is the Etisalat Loan Repaid?
One of the convenient features of Reserve Credit is that you do not normally need to make a separate repayment transaction. Instead, when you recharge your prepaid number, the Reserve Credit amount that you used is automatically deducted from the recharge amount.
Example
- Suppose you use AED 20 of Reserve Credit.
- Later, you recharge your Etisalat number with AED 50.
- The Reserve Credit amount used will be recovered from the recharge, leaving the applicable remaining balance after the deduction.
- Therefore, it is important to remember that your next recharge may not appear entirely as an available balance if you have an outstanding Reserve Credit amount.
Is Etisalat Reserve Credit the Same as a Cash Loan?
No. This is an important distinction because the phrase “Etisalat loan” can be misleading. Reserve Credit is a telecommunications credit facility for eligible prepaid mobile services. It is not the same as borrowing cash from a bank or financial institution. The credit is intended for supported mobile services and is recovered from a future recharge.
Meanwhile, e& has also announced developments in e& money’s lending services following a Finance Company licence approval in 2026. Those financial products are separate from the prepaid Reserve Credit service.
What If the Etisalat Loan Code Does Not Work?
If *108*1# does not provide Reserve Credit, your number may not meet the service requirements, or the service may not be available for your account at that time.
First, check whether:
- Your prepaid line has been active for at least three months.
- Your usage meets the stated minimum requirement.
- You have entered the USSD code correctly.
- Your account is active.
- Your required service is supported by Reserve Credit.
You can also use the e& UAE app to manage your account, monitor usage, recharge your number, and access available services.
How to Check Your Etisalat Balance
Before requesting emergency credit, it can be useful to check your existing prepaid balance.
e& lists the following balance-check code:
Balance Check Code
Dial *121# to instantly check your main balance. For detailed breakdown options, including data validity, read our Etisalat Data Balance Check Code UAE Guide. You can also manage your prepaid account through the e& UAE app.
How to Recharge Etisalat After Using Reserve Credit
After using Reserve Credit, you can recharge your prepaid account through several available methods. e& supports digital recharge through its e& UAE app and website, as well as other recharge options.
You can generally choose from options such as:
- e& UAE app
- Online recharge
- Recharge cards
- eVouchers
- Banking channels
- Other supported recharge methods
The e& recharge information also states that recharge cards can be activated using: *120*Card Number#
Etisalat Credit Transfer: An Alternative to a Loan
If Reserve Credit is unavailable, another option is to request credit from another person. e& provides a Request for Credit service for prepaid users.
Request Credit Code
Dial: *107*050XXXXXXX*Amount#
Replace the example mobile number with the number of the person from whom you want to request credit and enter the required amount. e& lists this as its Request for Credit service.
This can be useful when a family member or friend is willing to send you mobile credit.
How to Transfer Etisalat Credit to Another Number
If someone wants to send you credit directly, e& provides a local credit-transfer facility.
Credit Transfer Code
*100*Mobile Number*Amount#
For example, if you want to transfer AED 13 to another prepaid number, the format is:
*100*Mobile Number*13#
e& states that local credit transfer is available from active prepaid and postpaid accounts to prepaid numbers. However, the sender should be aware that e& currently states that a 5% transaction fee is deducted from the sender for local credit transfers.
Etisalat Loan vs Credit Transfer
Although both options can help when your balance is low, they work differently.
| Feature | Reserve Credit | Credit Transfer |
| Purpose | Emergency mobile credit | Receive credit from another user |
| Maximum Reserve Credit | Up to AED 50 | Transfer limits apply |
| Activation | *108*1# | Sender uses *100*…# |
| Eligibility | Prepaid requirements apply | Active accounts can transfer |
| Repayment | Deducted from future recharge | No Reserve Credit repayment |
| Transaction fee | Check current service terms | 5% for local transfer |
| Suitable when | You have no available balance | Someone can send you credit |
e& lists separate terms for Reserve Credit and Credit Transfer, so customers should not confuse the two services.
Useful Etisalat Codes for Prepaid Users
Here are some commonly useful e& prepaid codes:
| Purpose | Code |
| Reserve Credit | *108*1# |
| Check balance | *121# |
| Transfer credit | *100*Mobile Number*Amount# |
| Request credit | *107*Mobile Number*Amount# |
| Find prepaid offers | *101# (To explore discounted USSD promotions and custom internet deals, check out our guide on Etisalat Special Code Offers UAE). |
| Deal of the Day | *050# |
| Recharge card | *120*Card Number# |
The codes above are based on e& UAE’s current published prepaid support information.
Can You Get AED 50 Etisalat Loan?
Yes, eligible prepaid users can borrow up to AED 50 through Reserve Credit. However, e& describes the amount as “up to AED 50,” so the amount available to you may vary. To check whether the service is available on your number, dial: *108*1#
Is Etisalat Reserve Credit Free?
The e& page confirms that Reserve Credit is recovered from a subsequent recharge, but it does not provide a single universal service fee in the information currently published on that page. Therefore, users should check the confirmation screen and current service terms before accepting the Reserve Credit.
For comparison, e& explicitly states that its Request for Credit service is free, although it is limited to two requests per day.
Final Thoughts
If you have run out of prepaid balance, e& Reserve Credit can provide temporary mobile credit without requiring an immediate recharge. The main code to remember is *108*1#. Eligible prepaid customers can receive up to AED 50, while the amount used is automatically recovered from a future recharge.
Moreover, if Reserve Credit is unavailable, you can use e&’s Request for Credit or Credit Transfer services instead. Since service terms and available amounts can change, it is sensible to check the confirmation message or the e& UAE app before accepting any credit service.
FAQs
What is the Etisalat loan code in the UAE?
The Reserve Credit activation code is *108*1# for eligible prepaid users.
How much can I borrow from Etisalat?
Eligible customers can receive up to AED 50 through Reserve Credit.
Who can use Etisalat Reserve Credit?
e& states that the prepaid customer must have used the service for at least three months and have usage of at least AED 10 per month.
How do I repay the Etisalat loan?
The Reserve Credit amount you use is automatically deducted from your next recharge.
Can I use Reserve Credit for calls?
Yes. e& states that Reserve Credit can be used for voice calls and supported SMS services.
Can I use Reserve Credit for the internet?
Yes, e& states that Reserve Credit can also be used to buy a Non-stop Silver data plan.
What if I am not eligible for Reserve Credit?
You can consider requesting credit from another prepaid user or asking someone to transfer credit to your number. e& provides separate Requests for Credit and Credit Transfer services.
Is an Etisalat loan the same as a bank loan?
No. Reserve Credit is a mobile-service credit facility, not a conventional cash or personal loan.
