Keeping your NOL Card balance in check is essential for seamless travel across Dubai. You don’t need to carry cash all the time, thanks to the Dubai government’s provision of NOL Cards, even for single-day use, allowing you to travel hassle-free throughout the city. A NOL Card is a smart card that facilitates payments for public transportation and various services in the UAE. Beyond public transport, NOL Cards can be used for parking, shopping, and numerous other services. Some supermarkets and convenience stores also accept NOL Cards, making them a versatile and convenient payment option for residents and tourists alike.
With multiple online options to verify your NOL Card balance, including the RTA website, mobile app, and SMS, it’s easy to stay informed. This article outlines the five methods for checking your NOL Card balance:
Nol Card Balance Check via RTA Website
The most convenient and practical way to check your RTA NOL Card check balance is through the RTA website. The website hosts a dedicated NOL Card balance checker, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
- Click on the “Check NOL Balance” button on the RTA website.
- Enter your NOL tag ID (found on the back of your card) and search.
- You will see your bus card balance, pending credit, and expiry date. Note that the minimum balance required is 7.5 AED before travelling.
Nol Card Check Balance History via the RTA NOL App
The RTA offers a mobile app for checking your NOL Card balance, available for Android, iOS, and Huawei devices. Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in using your NOL ID, you can check your RTA bus card balance, review your transaction history, and check your remaining credit.
- Log in to the app with your NOL user ID and password.
- Click on the “Check Your NOL Balance” button.
- Enter your NOL tag ID (from the back of your card) and click “View Balance.”
- Your Dubai metro card balance and other information will be displayed.
Nol Card Balance Check with Number via SMS
For those without internet access, checking the RTA metro Card balance via SMS is an option. This method also provides details on your last 10 transactions, though standard SMS charges may apply.
- Register your NOL ID with your mobile number by sending your NOL card tag ID to 511 via SMS.
- Once registered, send ‘balance’ or ‘BAL’ to 511. Your Card balance and transaction history will be shown.
Nol Balance Check at Metro Stations
If you lack internet or a smartphone, you can visit vending machines at metro stations in Dubai. These machines are easily identifiable with their blue and silver color scheme and allow you to check your NOL Card balance.
- Locate the nearest vending machine at the metro station.
- Insert your NOL Card into the card reader slot.
- Select “Check Balance.”
- Wait briefly for the machine to process your request, and your nol Card balance will be displayed on the screen.
RTA Card Balance Check at Merchant Shops
Another option is to visit an authorized merchant shop near you to check your NOL Card balance. Ensure the shop is an authorized NOL Card merchant before proceeding.
- Find the nearest authorized nol Card merchant shop.
- Provide your NOL Card or NOL tag ID to the shopkeeper.
- Ask the shopkeeper to check your NOL Card balance.
- Wait for the shopkeeper to process your request, and your NOL Card balance will be displayed on the screen or conveyed verbally.
The Benefits of an RTA NOL Card Include:
- Travel via Bus, Tram, Metro, Water Bus, and RTA taxi.
- Use NOL Cards at parking stations.
- Refill fuel at ENOC and EPCO stations.
- Access theme parks.
- Shop for groceries at supermarkets.
- Enjoy dining at renowned restaurants.
- Special discounts for students and senior citizens.
- The Emirates Islamic RTA card, a partnership with Emirates, offers additional benefits.
Types of NOL Cards
NOL Cards come in various types, each catering to different preferences and travel needs. Here’s an overview of the different NOL Card types, along with their top-up limits and validity periods:
Silver Card
- Description: The NOL Silver Card is ideal for first-time users and serves as the perfect starter card.
- Cost: Available for AED 25 (includes AED 19 e-purse value).
- Top-Up Limit: AED 1000.
- Validity: Up to 5 years.
Gold Card
- Description: Similar to the Silver Card but with the added benefit of privileged access to the Metro’s Gold Class seats.
- Cost: Available for AED 25 (includes AED 19 e-purse value).
- Top-Up Limit: AED 500.
- Validity: Up to 5 years.
Blue Card
- Description: A personalized smart card with enhanced online services for topping up and balance recovery in case of loss or theft.
- Cost: Priced at AED 70 (includes AED 20 e-purse value).
- Top-Up Limit: AED 5000.
- Validity: Up to 5 years.
- Special Note: Required for concession fares such as students, senior citizens, and people of determination.
Red Ticket
- Description: A paper-based ticket suitable for occasional travelers who use one mode of transport at a time.
- Cost: Available for AED 2.
- Usage: Can be loaded with up to 10 single journeys or 5 daily passes.
- Validity: Up to 90 days.
Customized Card
- Description: Features 16 Dubai-inspired designs for personalized choices.
- Cost: Available for AED 30.
- Top-Up Limit: AED 1000.
- Validity: Up to 5 years.
- Usage: Eligible for concession fares.
Requirements for Concession Fares
Concession fares are applicable to students, people of determination, and senior citizens (Emiratis). When applying for a NOL Card, specific documents are required:
Students
- National ID
- Stamped letter from school/college/university, indicating your name, student ID number, education level, and academic year.
People of Determination
- National ID
- Copy of the permanent disability card issued by an authorized entity.
Senior Citizens (Emiratis)
- National ID
Using NOL Card for Transport
The NOL Card serves as a payment method for public transportation and parking, including:
Travel Across Dubai: Use it on the Metro, Tram, Buses, and Water Buses, with fares calculated based on the zones you travel through. Transfers between Buses and the Metro are also supported.
Ride the Water Bus: Purchase a NOL Red Ticket at marine ticket offices or top up your e-purse for Water Bus travel. Note that transfers are not applicable, and there’s a 3-hour time limit.
Pay for Parking: NOL Silver, Gold, or Blue Card holders can make parking payments by tapping their card on parking meter machines.
Using NOL Card for Non-Transport
The NOL Card can be used for non-transport purposes, including:
Buying Food and Groceries: Use it for micro-payments at authorized shops such as Aster Pharmacy, Burger King, Carrefour, Gloria Jeans, Lulu Hypermarket, Spinneys, and Zoom.
Fueling Up: Use the NOL card for fuel payments at ENOC and EPCO gas stations.
Visiting Parks, Gardens, and Museums: Tap your card at the entrance of parks like Al Khor Park, Al Mamzar Park, and museums like Al Shindagha Museum and Etihad Museum.
Ways to Top-Up Your NOL Card
You can conveniently top up your NOL Card through various channels, including:
RTA Website: Visit the official RTA website and follow the on-screen instructions.
RTA Mobile App: Download the RTA Mobile App from App Store, Google Play, or Windows Store, and use it to top up your NOL Card.
Service Centers: Top up at service centers, including vending machines at Dubai Metro and Bus stations, solar-powered machines at selected Bus stops, and smart teller devices at RTA Customer Happiness Centers.
Authorized Sales Agents: Over 2000 authorized shops and sales agents accept NOL Card top-ups.
Banks: Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank branches also offer NOL Card top-up services.
Conclusion
Nol Cards are a versatile and convenient payment option in the UAE, enabling payments for various services. This article has covered the complete process for checking your NOL card balance. Whether you’re a tourist or resident, nol Cards offer convenient options for your transportation and payment needs. Various methods are available for checking your NOL card balance, so choose the one that suits you best. Ensure accuracy when entering your NOL Card details online and seek customer support if needed. After following these steps, you’ll be able to check your metrocard balance online. If you have questions, feel free to comment below.
FAQs
How often should I check my NOL card balance?
It is a good idea to check your NOL card balance regularly, especially if you use it frequently. This will help you avoid being stranded without enough fare.
What happens if my NOL card balance runs out?
If your NOL card balance runs out, you will not be able to use it to pay for public transportation. You will need to top up your card before you can use it again.
How can I top up my NOL card?
You can top up your NOL card at any ticket terminal, at the RTA customer service center, or online.
How long does it take for a NOL card to top up to reflect in my balance?
It usually takes a few minutes for a NOL card to top up to reflect in your balance. However, it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
I lost my NOL card. What should I do?
If you lose your NOL card, you should report it to the RTA immediately. You can do this online or at the RTA customer service centre. You will need to provide your NOL card number and other identification information.
The RTA will cancel your lost card and issue you a new one. You will need to pay a fee for the new card.
I think my NOL card has been tampered with. What should I do?
If you suspect tampering with your NOL card, you should immediately report it to the RTA. You can do this online or at the RTA customer service centre. You will need to provide your NOL card number and other identification information.
The RTA will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.