NOL Cards in Dubai: Balance Check, Refill & More

NOL Card is a smart card for the transport system in the Emirate and the city of Dubai. Every mode of intra-city public transport in Dubai is completely cashless; passengers pay with NOL. It is also possible to pay for taxis using NOL cards. All passengers except those under six years of age or those who are 90 centimeters tall or less must have an NOL card. From this, one can easily see why having a positive balance on this card is very important.

Checking Balance on RTA Dubai Website

To check your card balance, visit the official website of RTA, navigate to the ‘Check NOL Card Balance’ tab, and then input the NOL card number and security code. After you have entered all the basic details, click on the ‘Check’ button. This portal also enables users to easily analyze the transaction history of their card.

Using RTA Dubai App

RTA Dubai App is the new application by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that brings all your transportation services in one place. The app is requires internet access and available in the Google Play Store and all you have to do is sign up and go to the NOL cards section. The app also enables you to check the NOL balance of your card and perform several other operations concerning the RTA.

Balance Check via SMS

You may also check your NOL card balance by SMS. To accomplish this, take these steps:

• Text your NOL card information to 511;
• Register the NOL ID. If you have not already registered your NOL card tag ID, please follow the SMS instructions;
• To receive your balance data, send 'balance' or 'BAL'.

Offline Methods to Check Your NOL Card Balance

You may also check your card balance in the following ways:

• You may find TVMs (Ticket Vending Machines) to check your card balance at Dubai metro stations. Insert your card into the machine and choose Check Balance;
• At approved merchant locations or customer service desks. These establishments commonly bear an RTA logo. Give the shopkeeper your NOL card tag ID and determine your balance. You may also check your NOL balance with ticket officials.

Understanding the NOL Card System

NOL cards are available in four types:

1. Red NOL card. It is a unique card for the metro and buses that allow for rapid and inexpensive use. The ticket has a use restriction of 10 times and is valid for 90 days;
2. Blue NOL card. For certain purposes, the blue card functions similarly to the personal card. Furthermore, the blue card stands out by providing discounts to students, persons of determination, and the elderly;
3. Silver NOL card. The silver card has virtually identical qualities to the golden card. The distinction is in the class of seats;
4. Gold NOL card. If you like gold-class public transit. It provides you with the greatest seats on the metro and ferry.

Common Issues while Balance Checking

If your card is physically damaged, it may be difficult to check your balance. In this instance, you will be unable to view your NOL balance at TVMs. You will need to purchase a new card, and the money from the damaged card may only be reimbursed if it is connected to your Emirates ID. The same rule applies to a stolen or missing NOL card. Call RTA customer care at 800 90 90 to report the loss right away.

Minimum Balance Requirements and Avoiding Fines

Maintain a minimum balance of AED 7.5 on your NOL Card to ensure smooth travel. For two-way travel, the card must contain at least AED 15. Commuters who use the NOL card on Dubai public transit must avoid the following situations:

• Never place more than one NOL Card over a scanner at once;
• When tapping your NOL Card on a scanner, be patient to avoid incomplete transactions. If necessary, retap the same NOL Card until the transaction is completed;
• To avoid damage, do not bend, write on, scratch, tap, cut, or glue stickers or images on the NOL Card;
• Do not allow anyone to use your NOL Blue Card, which is intended for your personal use.

Additional Uses and Benefits of NOL Card

In addition to public transportation, you may use your NOL card in Dubai to pay for your RTA cab price and paid parking. You may also use the money on your NOL card to pay for groceries and snacks, since over 2,000 businesses in the city accept NOL cards as payment, along with a list of casual dining restaurants. Many shops, businesses, pharmacies, and museums accept the NOL card. You may also use the NOL card to pay for many government services.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Your NOL Card

If you link your silver NOL card to your Emirates ID, you might have access to hundreds of perks, including shopping coupons and the ability to retrieve the amount on your card if it is lost or stolen. If you have a silver or gold NOL card, you may use the NOL Pay app to 'personalize' it and upgrade it to a 'personal smart card'.

RTA offers a 'NOL Plus' loyalty program that rewards NOL cardholders with points every time they use their card. Those with a personalized NOL card only need to spend Dh1 to get one point, however, those with an unregistered NOL card must spend Dh2 to gain one point. So, if you have a personal NOL card, you will get twice as many points.

The NOL Card is a universal transportation card that may be used to pay for public transit, taxis, and a variety of other services. The NOL balance may be checked via the RTA Dubai website, app, or SMS. Regularly using and checking the balance on your NOL card helps to maintain a seamless experience. When you link your NOL card to your Emirates ID, you will receive extra perks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my NOL card balance?

Yes: activate NFC technology on your phone. install and open RTA's Public Transport app. Choose NOL-to-NOL transfer.

How to activate pending credit in NOL card online?

Use your card in any online parking meter, metro gates, NOL pay application, or Solar Top-up Machine to update your card balance.

How to renew an expired NOL card?

Visit the RTA website or app and select the “Renewal Travel Pass” service.