Ever heard someone say, “I’ve got over 2,000 MTN Pulse Points but no airtime to make a call”? You’re not alone. If you’re on the MTN Pulse plan in Nigeria, chances are you’ve accumulated a good number of Pulse Points just by buying data bundles. But here’s the thing: most people have no clue how to actually use those points or whether it’s possible to convert MTN Pulse Points to airtime.
Also ReadMTN Pulse Migration Code: Migrate Code and Benefit in 2025
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in 2025 about checking, redeeming, and converting MTN Pulse Points to airtime—even if MTN doesn’t allow it directly. You’ll also learn how to use third-party apps to turn Pulse data into airtime or cash. This article is based on my own experience, data from MTN Nigeria, and tips from real users who’ve done it successfully.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
What Are MTN Pulse Points and How Do They Work in 2025?
Overview
MTN Pulse Points are reward points MTN Nigeria gives you every time you buy certain data bundles under the Pulse tariff plan. These points are part of MTN’s loyalty system to keep subscribers engaged and encourage more bundle purchases. In 2025, Pulse Points are still going strong, and they’ve become even more valuable to heavy data users.
You earn these points when you activate eligible bundles like:
- Daily and Weekly Pulse Data Plans
- Monthly Data Bundles
- Social Bundles (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok)
- Nightlife Bundles (Pulse Night Data)
One thing you should know: You won’t earn Pulse Points from regular airtime recharge or from making voice calls or sending SMS. The reward is strictly tied to data bundle subscriptions on the Pulse tariff.
Also ReadMTN Smart Data Plan and Code Updates (July 2025)
As someone who uses the 1.5GB for N500 weekly plan consistently, I noticed I earn an average of 10–30 points per activation. Over a month, that can add up to over 100 points, especially when I add night plans or social data.
Features and Benefits
- Get rewarded for your regular data purchases
- Points can be redeemed for data bundles anytime
- Flexible redemption: daily, weekly, social, or night bundles
- Works on any MTN line on Pulse tariff
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Earn points automatically with eligible bundles | Can’t redeem directly for airtime or SMS |
| Points don’t cost extra—just use your normal plan | Points expire at the end of each year |
| Encourages more value from your data spend | No official way to transfer points to others |
My Take
I think MTN did a smart thing with Pulse Points. It rewards behavior they already want—more data purchases—while giving users a reason to stay loyal. But the biggest downside is that most people want airtime, not more data. That’s where the workaround comes in, which we’ll get into soon.
How to Check Your MTN Pulse Points Balance (2025 Method)
Before you can use or redeem Pulse Points, you need to know how many you’ve earned. MTN makes it super easy with both USSD and app options.
Option 1: USSD Method
Dial *406*7# on your MTN line. Select option 4 to see your Pulse Points balance. The system will display your current point count and when the points will expire.
Option 2: MyMTN App
Open the MyMTN NG app and sign in. Your Pulse Points balance usually shows on the homepage. If not, go to the “Rewards” or “Pulse” section. You’ll see your total balance and any available redemptions.
Pro tip: Set a reminder for every month to check and use your points before they pile up and expire at the end of the year.
Can You Convert MTN Pulse Points Directly to Airtime?
Let’s clear this up right away: No, MTN does not allow you to convert Pulse Points directly into airtime in 2025. This has been the rule since the Pulse program launched. MTN only allows you to redeem Pulse Points for data bundles—not for voice minutes, SMS, or airtime credit.
This is confirmed on MTN Nigeria’s official Pulse help page: https://www.mtn.ng/helppersonal/pulse/
But here’s the twist. Many users have found a clever workaround: redeem the Pulse Points for data, then use third-party tools to convert that data into airtime or cash. It’s not an official feature, but it works if done right. Keep reading to learn how that workaround is done.
How to Redeem MTN Pulse Points for Data in 2025 (Official Method)
To use your MTN Pulse Points, you’ll need to exchange them for eligible data bundles. Here’s how to do that:
Via USSD:
- Dial *406#
- Reply with 7 (Pulse Points)
- Then reply with 1 (Redeem Data)
- Choose your preferred bundle option (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Social, Night)
Via SMS:
Send the bundle code directly to 312. Example: Send 104 to 312 for a daily 100MB plan using Pulse Points. Not all codes are easy to remember though, so I usually stick to USSD.
Redemption Sample Table:
| Data Plan | Pulse Points Required |
|---|---|
| 100MB Daily | 50 Points |
| 750MB Weekly | 150 Points |
| 1.5GB Monthly | 500 Points |
| IG/YT/TikTok 350MB | 100 Points |
Note: Data values and points needed can change based on promotions or MTN adjustments, so always confirm via the USSD or app.
How to Convert MTN Data to Airtime Using Third-Party Apps
Since MTN doesn’t allow a direct Pulse Points → Airtime option, the best way to work around this is to use apps that let you convert MTN data to airtime or cash.
Here’s how the workaround works:
- Redeem your MTN Pulse Points for data using the official USSD code.
- Install a trusted app like ConvertVTU, Zoranga, or Swiftbills.
- In the app, select “Convert Data to Airtime” or “Swap Data for Cash”.
- Enter your MTN number, the amount of data, and confirm the transaction.
Once confirmed, the airtime or cash is sent to your number or bank account within minutes. Rates may vary, but I’ve personally used ConvertVTU to convert 1GB of data into ₦350 airtime successfully.
Caution: Only use trusted platforms. Some sketchy apps have popped up recently. Read reviews or ask around before using any unknown tool.
That’s how you go from Pulse Points → Data → Airtime, even though MTN doesn’t officially offer it.
MTN Pulse Points Value, Expiry, and Rules You Need to Know
Estimated Value of Pulse Points
Each MTN Pulse Point doesn’t have a fixed naira value, but from consistent use and feedback, you can estimate about ₦1 per point. For example, 100 points can typically get you 100MB of data, which would normally cost ₦100 if bought directly from MTN Nigeria.
However, if you’re redeeming larger data plans like the 1.5GB monthly plan (which costs around ₦1000 when paid with airtime), MTN might only require 500–600 points. This gives a slightly better exchange rate.
My take? The value increases when you redeem for higher-tier bundles instead of the daily ones.
When Do Pulse Points Expire?
This is something you need to be aware of: Pulse Points are only valid within the calendar year. No matter when you earn them, they will expire at midnight on December 31, 2025.
So if you start earning in January or even in October, you’ll need to redeem them before the year ends. Otherwise, they disappear. I personally lost over 400 points in 2023 because I forgot to check before year-end—it felt like wasting free data.
Important Rules and Limitations
- You must be on MTN Pulse tariff plan to earn and use Pulse Points
- Switching to another plan (like BetaTalk or XtraValue) will forfeit your points
- Pulse Points are non-transferable; you can’t send them to another MTN user
- You can only redeem them for specific bundles (data only)
Always double-check before migrating or letting bundles expire. Losing points due to technicalities can be frustrating.
Smart Ways to Earn and Maximize MTN Pulse Points
If you’re going to use Pulse Points, you might as well earn as many as you can. Here are proven strategies to help you stack up your balance without changing your normal routine too much.
1. Activate Eligible Pulse Bundles Often
You get rewarded when you activate Pulse-eligible bundles. These include daily, weekly, and monthly data plans, plus social plans like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The more frequently you activate, the more points you get.
Personally, I earn 10–20 points just by subscribing to a daily 200MB plan, and more when I throw in a TikTok bundle for streaming short videos. If you use bundles every few days, your balance grows fast.
2. Combine Social + Nightlife Bundles
Social bundles give Pulse Points, but so do Nightlife bundles (the ones you use from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Combining them helps you earn more points in less time. It also spreads your data use between day and night.
3. Use the MyMTN App for Bonus Offers
From time to time, MTN offers bonus Pulse Points promotions exclusively in the app. These flash deals usually say something like “Subscribe to a weekly plan and earn 50 extra points.” Keep an eye on the MyMTN app notifications.
4. Watch the Expiry Clock
Don’t let your Pulse Points expire. Set a calendar reminder for mid-December to use up what you’ve earned before MTN wipes it clean.
Tip: If you’re close to redeeming a large bundle, top up your remaining points by activating a quick daily plan.
FAQs About MTN Pulse Points (2025)
Can I transfer MTN Pulse Points to another number?
No, MTN Pulse Points are linked to your SIM only. They are non-transferable and can’t be shared with others. This is a major limitation for group or family use.
Can I buy airtime with MTN Points?
Not directly. As of 2025, MTN Nigeria does not allow you to use Pulse Points to buy airtime or voice minutes. You can only redeem for data.
Do Pulse Points expire monthly or yearly?
They expire yearly. All your unused Pulse Points will reset to zero on December 31 at 11:59 PM. So, the earlier you use them, the better.
How many points do I need to get 1GB?
Based on current exchange rates, you’ll need about 400–500 points to get 1GB of data. This may change depending on MTN’s active promotions or data pricing changes.
Is it safe to use ConvertVTU or other third-party apps?
So far, ConvertVTU and similar services have had good reviews online. But since these are unofficial, always proceed with caution. Don’t enter your banking details on suspicious sites. Use only apps with verified ratings and real user feedback.
Final Thoughts – Is Converting MTN Pulse Points to Airtime Worth It in 2025?
MTN Pulse Points can be very useful—if you know how to make the most of them. While you can’t redeem them for airtime directly, the data conversion workaround offers a decent alternative. Redeem your points for data, then use third-party platforms to get airtime or cash.
If you’re a regular MTN Pulse user, this is basically free value you’ve been ignoring. Don’t let it go to waste. I recommend redeeming larger bundles to stretch your points and using trusted apps like ConvertVTU when you really need airtime instead of data.
And don’t forget: those points vanish at the end of the year. So use them before they disappear.
Need help checking or redeeming your Pulse Points? Drop your question in the comments or share this guide with someone using MTN Pulse.