NOL Card Balance Check Online | RTA Dubai [2025]
I check my NOL card balance before every trip in Dubai to avoid transport delays and fines. This simple habit saves me from embarrassment and keeps my commute smooth on the Dubai Metro, buses, and trams. Regular balance checks are essential for the 2 million daily commuters who rely on the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) public transport network.
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 smart payment card used for public transportation in Dubai. “NOL” means “fare” in Arabic, and the card serves as your ticket for the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, and even RTA parking meters. You can also use it at select retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and fuel stations like ENOC and EPCO.
Types of NOL Cards
The RTA offers four types of NOL cards to meet different needs:
- Red Card: A paper-based ticket for tourists that costs 2 AED. This card is valid for 90 days and can be recharged for up to 10 trips.
- Silver Card: The most popular choice for residents, costing 25 AED with 19 AED preloaded. The Silver card is valid for 5 years and can hold up to 1,000 AED.
- Gold Card: Provides access to Gold Class cabins on the Metro and tram. This card costs 25 AED with 19 AED preloaded and remains valid for 5 years.
- Blue Card: A personalized card for residents, students, seniors, and people of determination. It costs 70 AED with 20 AED preloaded and lasts for 5 years.
Each NOL card requires a minimum balance of 7.50 AED to board any RTA transport. If your balance falls below this amount, you risk fines of up to 200 AED.
Understanding Your NOL Card Tag ID
10-Digit Tag ID
The standard NOL Tag ID is a 10-digit number found on the back of every card. You use this number 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 RTA and reliable sources like Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
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 longer code is a different identifier, such as a serial number. Unofficial websites like nolcardcheck.com or nolcardbalance.ae might refer to this longer code, but these are not official RTA sources and may provide incorrect information.
Always use your 10-digit Tag ID with official RTA tools for accurate results.
6 Ways to Check Your NOL Card Balance
Keeping track of your NOL card balance is essential for smooth travel across Dubai’s public transportation network. The RTA provides six reliable methods to check your balance. Each method serves different needs and preferences while ensuring you’re never caught with insufficient funds.
1. Check NOL Card Balance on the RTA Website
The RTA website (www.rta.ae) offers a fast and secure way to check your NOL card balance online. This method is perfect for users with internet access and displays your balance, pending credits, and card expiry date.
Steps to Check Balance:
- Open a web browser and visit www.rta.ae
- Find the Public Transport section on the homepage
- Click on Check NOL Balance
- Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID (found on the back of your card)
- Click the Search button
- View your current balance, pending top-up amounts, and expiry date
Why Use This Method?
The RTA website works on any device, including laptops, tablets, or smartphones. It’s especially useful for trip planning as it shows if your balance meets the minimum 7.50 AED required for RTA transport.
If you’ve recently topped up online, remember that funds take 45 minutes to 4 hours to activate. You’ll need to tap your card at a Metro gate, bus reader, or RTA parking meter to complete the activation. In 2025, the RTA reported that 40% of all balance checks happened through their website, showing its popularity and 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 is available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei App Gallery. It provides a mobile-friendly way to check your NOL card balance. This method is ideal for 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:
- Download the RTA Dubai app from your device’s app store
- Log in with your UAE Pass, RTA account, or as a guest using your mobile number and OTP
- Go to the Services tab and select NOL
- Tap Check NOL Balance
- Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID or, if your phone supports NFC, tap your card on the back of the device
- Press Check Card Info to see your balance, expiry date, and pending credits
Why Use This Method?
The RTA Dubai app is perfect for frequent commuters. It features a user-friendly interface in both 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 processed over 600,000 monthly balance inquiries, making it a popular choice among commuters. You can also top up your card directly through 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. This method is perfect for users without internet access or smartphones. This offline method is quick, reliable, and works on any mobile phone, delivering your balance information in seconds.
Steps to Check Balance:
- Open your phone’s messaging app
- Type your 10-digit NOL Tag ID (found on the back of your card)
- Send the message to 511
- Wait for a reply from the RTA with your current balance
To make future checks even simpler, you can register your mobile number by sending the initial SMS. After that, just send “BAL” to 511 anytime for an instant update.
Why Use This Method?
The SMS service is helpful 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 useful 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:
- Find a TVM or balance inquiry device at a Dubai Metro or bus station
- Tap your NOL card on the designated card reader
- Check the screen for your current balance and card expiry date
- If your balance is low, top up at the same machine using cash or a credit/debit card
Why Use This Method?
This method provides instant results and requires no internet or account login, making it perfect for last-minute checks before boarding. The machines display information in both 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 who want to combine shopping with balance inquiries.
Steps to Check Balance:
- Visit an RTA-authorized retail outlet with a NOL card reader
- Approach the cashier and request a balance check
- Tap your NOL card on the reader or hand it to the cashier
- View your balance on the reader’s screen
- Ask for a top-up if needed, as most outlets support recharges
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:
- Download the NOL Pay app from your device’s app store
- Open the app and select your preferred language (English or Arabic)
- Grant NFC access permissions when prompted
- Log in or proceed as a guest
- Select Manage NOL Card and tap Check Card Info
- Place your NOL card on the back of your NFC-enabled phone
- View your balance, expiry date, and pending credits on the screen
Why Use This Method?
The NOL Pay app is the fastest option for NFC users, as it reads your card directly, eliminating 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 check shows a low amount, you can top up your NOL card online through the RTA website or apps. Here’s how to do it on the RTA website:
- Go to https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services
- Select “Nol” and then “Top Up NOL Cards”
- Click on Apply Now
- Enter your 10-digit NOL Tag ID and email address
- Choose an amount (30, 40, 50, 100, or 150 AED)
- Complete the captcha and agree to terms
- Pay using a credit/debit card or net banking
- 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 and require a tap at a Metro gate, bus reader, or parking meter. The RTA processed 2.5 million online top-ups in 2024.C-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.
Important Notes:
- The minimum balance to board RTA transport is 7.50 AED
- Anonymous cards (Silver, Gold, Red) can hold up to 1,000 AED
- Personal and Personalized cards (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.
For more information or assistance with your NOL card, visit www.rta.ae or call RTA Customer Service at 800 9090 (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM).