If your balance hits zero, Etisalat’s Reserve Credit lets eligible prepaid users instantly get emergency credit (up to AED 50) and repay on the next recharge. Dial the short USSD, follow the prompt, and you’re back online—calls, SMS, and data included.
You need to follow this step by step process:
Step 1: Open your dialer and dial *108*1# to subscribe to Reserve Credit.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen/SMS prompt to confirm.
Step 3: Use your phone normally; the borrowed amount auto-deducts on your next recharge.
What is Reserve Credit (the Etisalat “loan”)?
Reserve Credit is Etisalat’s emergency balance for prepaid lines. When you run out (typically around AED 1), Etisalat credits your line (amount depends on your usage and tenure). You repay automatically from your next recharge. For many users the offer can be up to AED 50.
Who can use it?
- Prepaid line in good standing.
- Typically active for ≥2 months with ~AED 10+/month usage.
- No unpaid Reserve Credit on the line.
What you can use it for
- Voice calls, local/international SMS, and mobile data.
- Optional 1-day data loan (Non-stop Silver) available after Reserve Credit is active.
Quick specs (at a glance)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loan trigger | When balance is very low (≈ AED 1) or on request |
| Max amount | Up to AED 50 (system-determined) |
| Main code | *108*1# subscribe / *108*2# unsubscribe |
| Manage | *108# menu |
| Check balance | *121# |
| Repayment | Auto-deducted on next recharge |
| Data loan (optional) | Non-stop Silver via *108# (AED 6 + VAT, 1 day) |
How to take loan in Etisalat? step-by-step
Subscribe to Etisalat UAE Reserve Credit
Step 1: Dial *108*1#.
Step 2: Confirm in the USSD/SMS prompt (if you have multiple numbers under one Emirates ID, the Primary Account Holder may need to approve).
Step 3: You’ll receive a confirmation SMS. When your balance hits the threshold, credit is added automatically.
Use and repayment of Etisalat loan
- Use your phone as normal; standard tariffs apply plus a small service fee (see fees).
- On your next recharge, Etisalat auto-deducts the borrowed amount + fee.
Unsubscribe anytime
- Dial
*108*2#to turn off Reserve Credit.
Fees and how they’re applied
| SIM/account setup | How the service fee works |
|---|---|
| Wasel Prepaid (single-account SIM) | 20% service fee on top of the existing tariff for each service used (ex-VAT), then 5% VAT applies. |
| Other Wasel setups (e.g., multiple numbers under one Emirates ID) | AED 0.06 per minute/SMS added on top of the existing tariff (ex-VAT), then 5% VAT applies. |
The loaned principal is separate; you repay it in full at the next recharge, and the service fee is applied per usage during the loan period.
Getting exactly “Etisalat loan 10 AED”
The system calculates how much you can borrow based on your tenure and usage. Some users will see AED 10; others may see AED 5, 20, or up to 50. If AED 10 appears in your USSD/SMS options, select it; otherwise the network offers the nearest eligible amount for your profile.
Useful codes (quick reference)
| Action | Code |
|---|---|
| Subscribe to Reserve Credit | *108*1# |
| Unsubscribe Reserve Credit | *108*2# |
| Open Reserve Credit menu | *108# |
| Check main balance | *121# |
| Ask a friend for credit (Request for Credit) | *107*05XXXXXXXX*Amount# |
| Friend transfers credit to you (Credit Transfer) | *100*05XXXXXXXX*Amount# |
Special cases (multiple numbers under one Emirates ID)
If your numbers are grouped under one e& account, the Primary Account Holder may have to approve your Reserve Credit activation. Your request (via *108*1#) sends an SMS to the primary number; they must approve within 24 hours. You’ll get a confirmation once approved.
Optional: borrow data for a day (Non-stop Silver)
If you’ve activated Reserve Credit, you can take a 1-day data loan via *108# → Non-stop Silver. It costs AED 6 (ex-VAT) and throttles after ~250 MB (then reduced speed for the remainder of the day). It does not auto-renew.
Pro Tip
If you often hit zero unexpectedly, keep Reserve Credit on, but set a small auto-recharge in your wallet or banking app. You’ll avoid per-usage service fees while still having Reserve Credit as a back-up.
FAQs on how to take loan in Etisalat
How do I check if I’m eligible for Etisalat loan today?
Dial *108*1#. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a confirmation flow (or receive an SMS). Eligibility generally requires a prepaid line active for around two months with monthly usage near AED 10+, and no unpaid Reserve Credit.
Can I choose the exact loan amount?
Not always. Etisalat’s system offers you an amount based on your tenure and usage. Some users see AED 5 or AED 10, others 20–50. If multiple options appear in the USSD, pick what you need; otherwise the system credits the preset amount.
When does repayment happen?
Automatically on your next recharge. If your recharge is less than the amount due, Etisalat deducts what it can and collects the remainder from future recharges until fully settled.
Is this available on postpaid?
Reserve Credit is for prepaid lines. Postpaid users don’t need an emergency loan because usage is billed monthly, but they can still transfer credit to others or receive transfers.
Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by: Telecom Editor (UAE)
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers