NOL Card Balance Check

NOL Card Balance Check keeps your Dubai commute smooth. Low funds can halt Metro or bus trips, risking fines. Check your balance fast on the RTA website, app, or SMS for hassle-free public transportation.

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Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID in the form above, it will redirect you to official RTA website (www.rta.ae) to check your balance

What Is a NOL Card?

A NOL card is a rechargeable smart card used for public transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The word “NOL” means “fare” in Arabic, and this card simplifies payments for the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, taxis, and even RTA parking meters. It’s also accepted at select retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and fuel stations like ENOC and EPCO.

The RTA introduced the NOL card in August 2009 to make travel cashless and efficient. As of 2025, over 2 million commuters use NOL cards daily, with transactions processed at more than 2,000 outlets across Dubai. The card comes in four types:

  • Red Card: A paper-based ticket for tourists, costing 2 AED, valid for 90 days, and rechargeable for up to 10 trips.
  • Silver Card: A popular choice for residents, costing 25 AED with 19 AED preloaded, valid for 5 years, and rechargeable up to 1,000 AED.
  • Gold Card: Offers access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro and tram, costing 25 AED with 19 AED preloaded, valid for 5 years.
  • Blue Card: A personalized card for residents, students, seniors, and people of determination, costing 70 AED with 20 AED preloaded, valid for 5 years.

Each card requires a minimum balance of 7.50 AED to board any RTA transport. Checking your balance regularly prevents fines, which can reach 200 AED for insufficient funds.

Nol Cards

Clarification on NOL Card Tag ID Digits

10-Digit Tag ID

The NOL card Tag ID is a 10-digit number found on the back of every card. It is used to check your balance, load funds, and access services through the RTA website, NOL Pay app, and other trusted platforms. This format is confirmed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and reliable sources like Gulf News and Khaleej Times. When using official tools, always enter this 10-digit number for accurate results.

14-Digit Tag ID in Some Sources

Some websites and older guides mention a 14-digit number for checking the card balance, especially through SMS or third-party websites. This can be confusing, as the 14-digit number is likely a different identifier, such as a serial number. Unofficial websites like nolcardcheck.com or nolcardbalance.ae refer to this longer code, but these are not official RTA sources and may give incorrect or outdated information. Use only trusted RTA tools for correct details.

6 Ways to Check Your NOL Card Balance

Keeping your NOL card balance topped up is key to smooth travel across Dubai’s public transportation network, including the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers multiple convenient methods to check your balance, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by low funds.

Below are six clear, reliable ways to verify your NOL card balance, each designed for different user needs and preferences. All methods are secure, user-friendly, and backed by the RTA, which processed over 3 million balance inquiries in 2024.

1. Check NOL Card Balance on the RTA Website

The RTA website (www.rta.ae) provides a fast and secure way to check your NOL card balance online. This method is ideal for users with internet access and shows your balance, pending credits, and card expiry date. It’s straightforward and takes less than a minute.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Open a web browser and go to www.rta.ae.
  2. Locate the Public Transport section on the homepage.
  3. Select Check NOL Balance.
  4. Type your 10-digit NOL Tag ID, found on the back of your Silver, Gold, or Blue Card, or on your Red Card ticket.
  5. Click the Search button.
  6. View your current balance, any pending top-up amounts, and the card’s expiry date on the screen.
RTA NOl card check New

Why Use This Method?

The RTA website is accessible on any device, including laptops, tablets, or smartphones, making it versatile for commuters. It’s especially useful for planning trips, as it shows if your balance is below the minimum 7.50 AED required for RTA transport. If you’ve recently topped up online, note that funds take 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate, requiring a tap at a Metro gate, bus reader, or RTA parking meter. In 2025, the RTA reported that 40% of balance checks occurred via their website, reflecting its reliability.

Tip: Bookmark www.rta.ae for quick access, and double-check your NOL Tag ID to avoid errors.

2. Check NOL Card Balance Using the RTA Dubai App

The RTA Dubai app, available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei App Gallery, offers a mobile-friendly way to check your NOL card balance. This method suits tech-savvy users who prefer managing their card on the go. The app also supports top-ups and transaction history checks.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Download the RTA Dubai app from your device’s App store.
  2. Log in with your UAE Pass, RTA account, or proceed as a guest using your mobile number and OTP.
  3. Navigate to the Services tab and select NOL.
  4. Tap Check NOL Balance.
  5. Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID or, if your phone supports NFC, tap your card on the back of the device.
  6. Press Check Card Info to see your balance, expiry date, and pending credits.
RTA dubai App

Why Use This Method?

The RTA Dubai app is perfect for frequent commuters, with a user-friendly interface in English and Arabic. NFC-enabled devices, such as Samsung, iPhone, or Huawei phones, allow instant balance checks without typing the Tag ID. In 2024, the app handled over 600,000 monthly balance inquiries, making it a top choice. You can also top up your card directly in the app, ensuring you’re always ready for travel.

Tip: Enable NFC in your phone settings for faster checks, and log out after use on shared devices to protect your account.

3. Check NOL Card Balance via SMS

The RTA provides an SMS service for checking your NOL card balance, ideal for users without internet access or smartphones. This offline method is quick, reliable, and works on any mobile phone, delivering your balance in seconds.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Open your phone’s messaging app.
  2. Type your 10-digit NOL Tag ID, located on the back of your NOL card.
  3. Send the message to 511.
  4. Wait for a reply from the RTA with your current balance.
  5. To simplify future checks, register your mobile number by sending the initial SMS. Then, send “BAL” to 511 anytime for an instant update.
Check NOL Card Balance via SMS

Why Use This Method?

The SMS service is a lifesaver in areas with poor internet or for users with basic phones. It’s cost-effective, with standard SMS rates applying, and ensures you can check your balance anywhere in Dubai. The RTA processed 120,000 SMS balance requests monthly in 2024, proving its accessibility. This method is especially handy for Red Card users, like tourists, who may not have app access.

Tip: Save 511 in your contacts and verify your NOL Tag ID to avoid delays from incorrect entries.

4. Check NOL Card Balance at Dubai Metro Stations

Dubai Metro stations and major bus terminals feature ticket vending machines (TVMs) and balance inquiry devices for quick offline NOL card balance checks. These machines are available at all 53 Metro stations, making this method convenient for commuters already on the move.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Find a TVM or balance inquiry device at a Dubai Metro or bus station.
  2. Tap your NOL card on the designated card reader.
  3. Check the screen for your current balance and card expiry date.
  4. If your balance is low, top up at the same machine using cash or a credit/debit card.
Check NOL Card Balance at Dubai Metro Stations

Why Use This Method?

This method is instant and requires no internet or account login, perfect for last-minute checks before boarding. Machines display information in English and Arabic and are maintained by the RTA for accuracy. In 2025, over 1.2 million balance inquiries were made at TVMs monthly, highlighting their widespread use. You can also top up starting at 50 AED at Metro ticket offices, ensuring you’re ready for travel.

Tip: Look for signs pointing to TVMs at station entrances, and tap gently to avoid damaging your card’s microchip.

5. Check NOL Card Balance at Authorized Retail Outlets

Authorized retailers, such as Zoom, Carrefour, Spinneys, and ENOC stations, offer NOL card balance checks using specialized card readers. This offline method is convenient for users combining shopping with balance inquiries.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Visit an RTA-authorized retail outlet with a NOL card reader.
  2. Approach the cashier and request a balance check.
  3. Tap your NOL card on the reader or hand it to the cashier.
  4. View your balance on the reader’s screen.
  5. Ask for a top-up if needed, as most outlets support recharges.
Check NOL Card Balance at Authorized Retail Outlets

Why Use This Method?

Retail outlets provide a practical option for checking your balance during daily errands. With over 2,000 RTA-authorized locations across Dubai in 2025, this method is highly accessible. It’s ideal for users who prefer in-person assistance or lack internet access. Retailers also offer top-up services, making it a one-stop solution for NOL card management.

Tip: Confirm the outlet is RTA-authorized by checking for official signage to ensure secure transactions.

6. Check NOL Card Balance Using NOL Pay App with NFC

The NOL Pay app, available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei App Gallery, uses NFC technology for instant NOL card balance checks. This method is designed for users with NFC-enabled smartphones, offering speed and convenience without manual ID entry.

Steps to Check Balance:

  1. Download the NOL Pay app from your device’s app store.
  2. Open the app and select your preferred language (English or Arabic).
  3. Grant NFC access permissions when prompted.
  4. Log in or proceed as a guest.
  5. Select Manage NOL Card and tap Check Card Info.
  6. Place your NOL card on the back of your NFC-enabled phone.
  7. View your balance, expiry date, and pending credits on the screen.
Check NOL Card Balance Using NOL Pay App with NFC

Why Use This Method?

The NOL Pay app is the fastest option for NFC users, as it reads your card directly, skipping the need to type the NOL Tag ID. It also supports instant top-ups via Dubai Pay, which activate immediately, unlike website recharges. In 2024, the app saw 300,000 monthly balance checks, driven by its efficiency. It’s perfect for Silver, Gold, and Blue Card holders who want quick access to card details.

Tip: Ensure NFC is enabled in your phone settings, especially on iPhone devices, and hold the card steady for a clear read.

How to Top Up Your NOL Card Online?

If your balance is low, top up your NOL card online via the RTA website or apps. Here’s how to do it on the RTA website:

  1. Go to https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services and select “Nol” and then “Top Up NOL Cards”
  2. Click on Apply Now
  3. Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID and email address.
  4. Choose an amount (30, 40, 50, 100, or 150 AED).
  5. Complete the captcha and agree to terms.
  6. Pay using a credit/debit card or net banking.
  7. Receive a confirmation email and SMS.

For the NOL Pay app, tap your card on an NFC-enabled phone, select the amount, and pay via Dubai Pay. Online top-ups take 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate, requiring a tap at a Metro gate, bus reader, or parking meter. The RTA processed 2.5 million online top-ups in 2024.

How to Top Up Your NOL Card Online

Important Notes:

  • The minimum balance to board RTA transport is 7.50 AED.
  • Anonymous cards (e.g., Silver, Gold, Red) can hold up to 1,000 AED.
  • Personal and Personalised cards (e.g., Blue) can hold up to 5,000 AED.
  • Online top-ups are limited to 150 AED per transaction for security.
  • If your balance doesn’t update after 4 hours, contact RTA Customer Service at 800 9090.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know if my NOL card is valid?

Tap your NOL card at a ticket vending machine or parking meter to see the remaining days until expiration. Silver, Gold, and Blue Cards last 5 years, while Red Cards expire after 90 days.

Q. Is it safe to check my balance at retail outlets?

Yes, if the outlet is RTA-authorized. Always verify the retailer’s license to protect your card information. Over 2,000 trusted outlets offer this service.

Q. What is the minimum Balance required?

You need at least 7.50 AED to board any RTA transport. The RTA suggests 15 AED for a Metro round-trip to avoid fines.

Q. Can I transfer my NOL Card balance?

Yes, use the RTA Dubai app with NFC to transfer balances between registered cards. Visit an RTA Customer Service Center for assistance with expired or damaged cards.

Q. What happens if my Card expires?

Purchase a new NOL card and transfer the balance from the expired card at an RTA Customer Service Center. Balances below 100 AED can be refunded as cash.

Conclusion

NOL Card Balance Check ensures seamless Dubai urban transit. Use the RTA website, RTA Dubai app, NOL Pay app, SMS, Metro TVMs, or retail outlets to avoid 200 AED fines. Regular checks and top-ups keep your Metro, bus, or tram commutes smooth. With 2.2 million daily users in 2025, NOL cards drive cashless mobility. Visit www.rta.ae or call RTA at 800 9090 (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM) for help.