If you travel daily in Dubai by public transport such as the metro, bus or tram, it is essential to check the balance of your NOL card. You can do this very easily via the RTA website, the RTA ‘nol How’ portal or the RTA nol Pay app. To check the balance, simply enter your NOL card ID or tag ID in the relevant search box.
When the balance runs low, you can instantly recharge your NOL card through the Nol Pay app or RTA’s online resources. In this 2025 updated guide, we will introduce you to all these reliable methods, so that every trip you take is hassle-free and you don’t have to face a situation like suddenly running out of balance.
What is a NOL card?
Nol Card is a modern smart card in Dubai, used to pay for various public and private utilities. The card is issued by Dubai RTA and provides users with a cashless and convenient travel experience.
Whether you travel on the metro daily or need to pay for parking, the Nol card makes it possible to access all amenities with a single touch. Available in personal and non-personal variants, the card has become an essential part of daily life in Dubai.
Nol Card usage locations:
- Dubai Metro
- Public buses
- Water buses
- Dubai Tram
- Paid parking (RTA)
- Select retail outlets
- Select taxis
Key Features of a Nol Card
The Nol card is a modern, contactless smart card for paying for public transport in Dubai. It is not only valid on the metro, bus, tram and waterbus, but also for parking and other RTA services.
The Nol card not only offers users lower fares than paper tickets, but also allows them to easily transfer between different transport services. In addition, there is also a facility of discounted fares for certain individuals.
- Contactless payment
- Used in multiple services
- Lower fare than paper tickets
- Transfer from one transport mode to another
- Discounts for specific users
- Online balance check and recharge facility
How to Check Your NOL Card Balance Online through the RTA Website?
To check your NOL card balance through the RTA website, first visit the official RTA website. There, go to the “Public Transport” section and click on the “Check Zero Balance” option. After that, you need to enter your NOL card tag ID to see the current balance.
Another method is to search for “Check Zero Balance” on the website and then enter your NOL card ID as per the instructions given on the screen.
Visit RTA NOL online portal
“RTA NOL Online Portal” refers to the platform where you can manage your NOL card used in Dubai online, which is provided by the Roads and Transport Authority.
Click on “Check NOL Balance”
To ‘Check NOL Balance’, find the relevant button on the RTA website or Nol Pay app and click on it to view the balance.
Enter Your 10-Digit NOL Tag ID
- Steps to check NOL card balance:
- Visit the official website of RTA.
- Click on the “Check NOL Balance” option.
- Enter the 10-digit NOL tag ID listed on the back of your card.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- View your balance, pending amount and card expiry date.
Click the “Search” Button
After entering the tag, click the “Search” button to retrieve the information.
View Your Balance & Card Details
The page will display your current balance, remaining credit, and card delivery date.
To check NOL card balance via SMS:
- Open your phone’s messaging app.
- Type a new SMS and enter the NOL card’s tag ID.
- Send this SMS to 511.
- Within a few moments, you will receive a response with your NOL balance details.
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How to Check Your NOL Card Balance Using the RTA Dubai Mobile App (Step-by-Step)
To check your NOL card balance via the RTA Dubai app, open the “My Nol Card” section in the app and tap “Check Balance.” You can also use the “Check NOL Balance” option directly on the RTA website or the NOL Pay app if you prefer.
Step 1: Download and launch the RTA Dubai App
Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone, install the RTA Dubai app and open the app to get started.
Step 2: Want to Log In
Launch the app and sign in with your login details. If you are a new user, create an account using a new card number.
Step 3: You were browsing the Services menu.
From the app’s main dashboard, tap on “Services” to access various options.
Step 4:explore categories
Go to the Nol Card Services website. In the Services menu you will see the following categories:
- Parking
- Vehicle Registration
- Driver’s License
- Traffic Fines
- Salik
- Plate Number
To proceed, select ‘Nol’ from the list.
Step 5: Choose the Balance Check Option
- User logged in
- Entered the ‘My Account’ section
- Accessed relevant options
Step 6: Enter Your NOL Tag ID
Enter the 10-digit NOL Tag ID located on the back of your card, then click the “Check Card Info” button.
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Step 7: Check Your NOL Card Balance
The screen will display your current balance, pending credits, and full card details.
Bonus: Scan Your NOL Card for Instant Balance
The app also includes a card scanning feature. Just tap your card to the back of an NFC-enabled phone and instantly view balances without entering the tag ID.
Quickly View Your NOL Card Balance Using the Nol Pay App A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the App Store
Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone.
2. Download the Nol Pay App
Search for “Nol Pay“ and download the official app by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
3. Launch the App
Once installed, open the app on your device.
4. Sign In or Register
If you already have an account, simply log in. New users can register using their NOL card number.
5. Tap on “My Cards” or “Check Balance”
From the main dashboard, go to “My Cards” or find the “Check Balance” option.
6. Enter Your Card Details
Input the 10-digit NOL Tag ID found on the back of your card.
7. Press “Check Balance”
After entering the details, tap “Check Balance” to proceed.
8. View Your Balance
Your screen will now display your current balance, pending credits, and card expiry date.
Bonus Tip – Use NFC Scanning
If your phone supports NFC you can simply tap your NOL card on the back of your device to instantly check your balance no typing needed.
Why Choose the Nol Pay App?
The Nol Pay app makes NOL card management extremely easy for public transport users in Dubai. It allows you to top up your card, purchase and activate travel passes, and check your balance right from your mobile.
The app also allows you to get discounts, take advantage of special offers, and convert your physical NOL card to a digital card, making your journey even more convenient.
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Check NOL Card History
To check your NOL card history, first log in to your RTA account. After logging in, go to the “Check NOL Balance” section where you will have the option to view transaction details and history. You may need to enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID to access this information.
Understand nol card system in Dubai
According to the RTA, the Nol card is a rechargeable smart card used to pay fares on Dubai’s public transport. The card can be easily used on the metro, buses, trams and other public transport modes, as well as in paid parking. You can purchase or recharge the card at metro stations, bus terminals and online platforms.
How to recharge nol cards online and offline?
For the NOL card recharge machine, you can use it in several ways: online through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app, then tickets, RTA companies or authorized sales agents. This facility can also be obtained from offline locations.
Online Recharge Steps:
- Visit RTA Website : Head over to the official RTA site.
- Find NOL Services : Navigate to the NOL section.
- Log In or Register : Sign in or create an account.
- Choose “Top-Up” or “Recharge” : Select the option to recharge your card.
- Enter Card Details : Input your NOL card number and any required info.
- Select Amount : Pick how much you’d like to top up.
- Make Payment : Pay using your preferred method (credit/debit).
- Get Confirmation : A success message will appear once done.
Offline Recharge Options:
- Ticket Vending Machines : Available at Dubai Metro stations.
- RTA Customer Happiness Centers : Recharge in person at any center.
- Authorized Sales Agents : Top-up at approved retail points.
- NOL Pay App : Use NFC to instantly recharge through your phone.
Common Issues while Balance Checking
Users may sometimes face difficulties while checking their NOL card balance. Here are the most frequent issues:
- Incorrect Tag ID : Entering the wrong 10-digit NOL Tag ID can lead to failed balance checks.
- Slow Internet Connection : A weak or unstable connection may prevent the balance from loading.
- Outdated App Version : Using an older version of the Nol Pay app might not display real-time data.
- RTA Server Downtime : Sometimes the RTA website or app experiences technical issues.
- Card Not Registered : Unregistered or inactive cards may not show balance details.
- Browser Compatibility : Some features on the RTA portal may not work well with certain browsers.
Conclusion
Whether you use the RTA website or check your balance via SMS, always keep an eye on your NOL card balance. And if you ever have any confusion about balance or top-up, don’t worry, comment below and help each other out!
FAQs
How to Check if Your NOL Card Is Valid?
You can verify your NOL card’s validity at any Dubai Metro ticket machine or parking meter. Just insert your card, and it’ll show how many days are left before it expires.
Can You Recharge NOL Cards Online?
Yes, it’s quick and easy. Use the RTA website or Nol Pay app, enter your NOL Tag ID, choose the amount, and pay via credit/debit card. Your balance usually updates within 45 minutes to 4 hours.
How Much Is a NOL Card in Dubai?
The basic NOL card starts at just 2 AED and works for up to 10 trips. You can buy it from ticketing machines or opt for a Silver Card for more benefits.
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