Top 10 Apps to Buy Cheap Data Bundles and Airtime in Nigeria in 2026

The top apps to buy cheap data bundles and earn high cashbacks when you buy airtime are Cardtonic, AidaPay, 247Data, and others. However, before you select any of these apps, let me tell you a quick story on how I was able to cut down the amount I spend on data per month.

Earlier this year, I was stuck with the expensive data plans MTN was offering me. However, since I had no option, I kept purchasing these bundles to stay connected.

My breakthrough eventually came from a random discussion I had with my brother. I just casually joked that all my earnings were going straight to MTN’s pockets simply because I need data. 

Then he told me he has been purchasing cheap data plans on one app. Trust me, I didn’t let go of him until he introduced me to the app and ever since then, I haven’t looked back. In this guide, I will also introduce you to the same app I now use to buy cheap data plans.

Top 10 Nigerian Mobile Apps for Your Airtime and Data Needs

The top 10 mobile apps to buy data or airtime online are Cardtonic, AidaPay, OPay, 247Data, Kuda, NairaData, BuyCard, Peyflex, VTpass, and Getsub.

The table below compares them based on their cheapest MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile data plans, as well as cashback bonuses on airtime so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Note: These are the current prices on these platforms. However, they are subject to change.

1. Cardtonic:

The first on this list of the top 10 mobile apps for buying airtime and data bundles online is Cardtonic, and here is why: ever since my brother introduced me to the app earlier this year, the amount I spend on data has drastically decreased. 

This app offers various data bundles at affordable prices, so you can choose the one that best fits your data usage. Whether you need a daily data plan or a monthly one that can comfortably serve your needs without paying outrageous prices, Cardtonic is your best bet.

What makes this app a more rewarding option is that every time you buy airtime, you receive up to 2% cashback, which can add up quickly, especially if you frequently top up your airtime balance.

2. AidaPay

This is another choice for buying cheap data bundles online. AidaPay offers instant delivery, so you don’t have to wait several hours refreshing the app and waiting for your data balance to be topped up. 

Purchasing airtime and data on AidaPay also comes with peace of mind, as you can reach their responsive customer support team 24/7 whenever you encounter any issues.

3. Opay

OPay is a popular fintech app in Nigeria that allows you to send and receive money within minutes. However, it also offers airtime and data top-up services. So if you already use this app for daily payments, you can also conveniently use it to manage your data and airtime whenever you want.

OPay also offers cheap data bundles, ranging from ₦500 for daily plans to ₦90,000 for monthly plans for heavy data users.

4. 247Data

This platform is also a leading brand that people use to buy airtime and data bundles in Nigeria. Just like its name implies, you can always buy data bundles and airtime anytime you want, even at 2 AM on Sunday, as the brand uses automated services to process customers’ requests and deliver value almost instantly.

The 247Data app is available on both the Play Store and Apple Store, so you can always access it regardless of your device.

5. Kuda

Kuda is unarguably one of the top 10 mobile apps for buying airtime and data bundles in Nigeria. This brand has already built a solid reputation in Nigeria’s fintech industry, so it is generally more reliable and easier to trust. 

Additionally, Kuda offers instant airtime and data top-up immediately after your transaction is successful. This often comes in handy when you need airtime to make urgent calls.

6. NairaData

Another app to buy airtime online at your convenience is NairaData. This platform offers relatively cheap services. For example, with as low as ₦486, you will receive 1GB MTN data on the app, compared to other brands that charge up to ₦700 for the same bundle

What makes NairaData exceptional is its airtime-to-cash feature. This often comes in handy when you accidentally buy more airtime than you need. You can simply log in to the app, initiate the amount of airtime you want to sell, complete the transaction, and get paid.

7. BuyCard:

BuyCard is a popular bill payment app that also allows you to buy data and airtime online within five to ten minutes. You just have to create an account if you are a first-time user, fund your wallet, and pay for the services you need, such as airtime, data, electricity, or TV subscriptions.

BuyCard also offers various cheap data bundles across all mobile networks. For example, 1GB of MTN data costs only ₦505, while Glo costs ₦350 per GB, which is significantly cheaper than prices on other platforms.

8. PeyFlex:

Of course, we can’t talk about the top mobile apps for buying airtime and data bundles without mentioning PayFlex. It has been around for over two decades, helping thousands of Nigerians sort their online bills from the comfort of their homes.

Beyond paying bills, you could also use PayFlex to earn passive income. Their reward system offers you ₦100 when you refer someone, and then you also earn 2% every time they buy data on the app.

9. VTpass:

If you are looking for an app to buy data at a cheaper rate, VTPass is another reliable option to consider. It offers a wide range of data plans, from daily to weekly to monthly, depending on your budget and data usage.

VTpass also offers a rewards system that lets you earn a percentage of your spending every time you make a transaction in the app. It offers both cashbacks and VTU points, which you can convert to cash once they accumulate.

10. Getsub:

Getsub also tops the list of the top 10 mobile apps for buying airtime and data bundles online, thanks to its solid track record over the past three years. This app has become the go-to option for many Nigerians who want to buy both airtime and data, as it helps them get the best value from their money.

What is the Difference Between SME, CG (Corporate Gifting), and Direct Data Bundles?

If you are curious, like me, wondering why you have to choose between SME and Corporate Gifting (CG) when buying data on these mobile apps, or you simply want to know the difference between SME, CG, and direct data bundles, here is a simple answer.

SME (Small and medium-sized enterprise) data bundles were initially designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need high data bundles and want to share them among staff at lower prices. However, the majority of these apps saw it as an opportunity to buy these bundles, just as a small business would, and then share them with individuals at a lower price. This explains why they are generally cheaper than other bundles.

CG data bundles, on the other hand, also work like SMEs; however, they are designed for larger corporations to gift and share data with thousands of employees. The majority of these apps buy these plans and also share them with individuals at a slightly higher price than SMEs, as they are generally more stable because they are designed for heavy traffic.

The third option, direct data bundles, refers to data you buy directly from network providers (MTN, GLO, etc.), often via USSD codes or their official mobile apps. The major advantage of this option is that expired data rolls over when you purchase a new one—something you wouldn’t get on SME and CG data bundles; however, they are typically expensive.

So, which should you choose? 

Here is the cheat sheet: If you are after cheap data bundles, SME is your best bet, and Cardtonic is one of the best SME data apps you can bank on since it offers cheaper bundles. If you prefer stability—that is, buying data whenever you want, even when SME bundles are unavailable—you should consider CG, and Getsub is one of the best apps to consider. Finally, if you simply prefer to buy directly from the source even when it is more expensive than other bundles, direct data works best for you.

How to Buy Airtime and Data Bundles on Cardtonic in 2 Minutes  

It is pretty easy to buy airtime and data bundles on Cardtonic. All you need to do is create an account on the platform and navigate to “Bills & eSIMs” > “Local Bills.”

Then, select either “Airtime” or “Mobile Data” and follow the prompts.

1. Get the Cardtonic app and register an account:

The first step to buying airtime and data bundles on Cardtonic is to download the app and register an account. 

2. Select “Bill Payment” on the homepage:

On your homepage, navigate to “Bills & eSIMs” > “Local Bills” to get started. 

3. Select “Airtime” or “Mobile Data” from the available options:

On the next page, select “Airtime” or “Mobile Data,” depending on which you want to buy. 

4. Select your network provider:

It’s time to select your network provider. Ensure the network provider you pick is correct. 

5. Enter your mobile number and the amount of your purchase:

If you want to purchase airtime, just input your number and amount to proceed. However, if you intend to buy mobile data, you’ll have to select a plan of your choice as well. 

6. Confirm the bill summary and proceed with the purchase:

Carefully read through your bill summary and ensure the details are correct. 

7. Enter your transaction PIN to confirm the purchase:

To finalise your airtime or data purchase, enter your transaction PIN.  

What do you have to do next? Kindly wait for your airtime or data to be credited to your phone within a minute. 

Best App for Selling Data and Airtime in Nigeria

Buying cheap data bundles and airtime on reliable apps like Cardtonic helps you save money when you top up. However, if you are looking for consistent ways to make money online, reselling data and airtime is another option you might consider. You just have to choose a reliable and cheap data reselling app to earn more profit.

Some of the best apps for selling data and airtime in Nigeria are 247Data, VTpass, and PeyFlex. These apps offer low wholesale prices on all networks, so you can earn more profit, get instant delivery, and enjoy 99.9% uptime, so you can buy anytime and sell to your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Airtime and Data Bundles Online

1. Which App Has the Cheapest Data Plan?

Cardtonic has one of the cheapest data plans across all networks, depending on your data usage. For example, you can buy a 7-day MTN 15GB data plan for just ₦4,000 or go for a monthly plan of 30 GB for ₦9,000.

2. Is It Advisable to Buy Airtime and Data Bundles Online?

Yes, it is advisable to buy airtime and data bundles online, especially if you are after convenience, as you can top up your balance from the comfort of your home within minutes, at any time of day. However, you have to use a reliable app like Cardtonic to get the best value for your money. 

3. What Is The Best App to Buy Cheap Data and Airtime in Nigeria?

The best app to buy cheap airtime and data in Nigeria is Cardtonic. It offers cheap data plans and up to 2% cashback every time you buy airtime on the app.

4. How Can I Get 1.5 GB for ₦300 on MTN?

You can get 1.5GB for ₦300 on MTN’s personalised data offer by dialling *121#. However, if you are ineligible for the offer, you can buy cheaper MTN data plans on Cardtonic.

5. How Much Is 1GB Of MTN Data?

The price of 1GB of MTN data ranges from ₦350 to ₦500, depending on validity and the platform you buy from.

6. Which Network is Cheapest for Data in Nigeria?

Glo offers the cheapest data bundle in Nigeria. For example, you can buy 3GB of data for just ₦1,000, valid for 3 days.

7. Is It Safe to Buy Airtime and Data on Cardtonic?

Yes, it is safe to buy airtime and data on Cardtonic. Your details are fully protected, and you receive your airtime and data immediately after your transaction is successful.

Conclusion

I believe that by now, you should know where to go for your airtime and data bundle needs. Do not forget that the top 10 mobile apps for buying airtime and data bundles include Cardtonic, AidaPay, Opay, Getsub, ConnectSphere, and others.

Cardtonic is more than just the best app for buying cheap data. In addition to effortlessly purchasing airtime and data on Cardtonic, the platform has become a leading brand that offers bill payment services. It is a great tool for paying for electricity, cable TV, internet, and more.

You can also purchase your dream gadgets and do much more on the platform without breaking a sweat. Go ahead and experience the “Cardtonic magic” today!