NOL Card Balance Check with Card Number

What Is the NOL Card Number?

The NOL card number is an 18-digit unique identifier printed on the back of every NOL card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai. It begins with the prefix 6016 and serves as the primary reference for all digital balance inquiries, online recharges, and account registration on nol.ae.

Every NOL card type — Silver, Gold, Blue, Red, and Personal — carries this number. The Personal NOL card additionally links the card number to a registered user profile, enabling transaction history access. Silver, Blue, and Red cards allow anonymous balance checks using the number alone, without requiring a registered account.

Method 1: Check NOL Card Balance via RTA Portal (nol.ae)

The RTA NOL portal at nol.ae provides an official, real-time balance check using only your card number. This is the most reliable method for NOL card balance check with number and does not require you to install any application.

1. 1
   Open your browser and go to nol.ae. The official portal is operated by Roads and Transport Authority Dubai. Ensure you are on the genuine URL to protect your card details.
2. 2
   Locate the "Balance Check" or "Card Inquiry" section. This is visible on the homepage without requiring a login. Click the balance inquiry option.
3. 3
   Enter your 18-digit NOL card number. Type the full number from the back of your card. Do not include spaces unless the form requires them.
4. 4
   Complete the CAPTCHA verification (if prompted) and click Submit or Check Balance.
5. 5
   View your balance result. The portal displays your current balance in AED, the card's expiry date, and the last recharge or transaction date.

Method 2: NOL Card Balance Check with Number via NOL Pay App

The NOL Pay app (available on Android and iOS) allows you to link your card number to a digital wallet, after which your balance is always visible on the app's home screen. It is the recommended method for users who travel daily on Dubai Metro, RTA Bus, or Dubai Tram.

1. 1
   Download NOL Pay from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Search for "NOL Pay" — the official app by RTA Dubai.
2. 2
   Register or log in with your Emirates ID or passport details as required.
3. 3
   Tap "Add Card" and enter your 18-digit NOL card number when prompted.
4. 4
   Your card balance, transaction history, and expiry date will sync and display on the app dashboard in real time.

Method 3: Balance Inquiry at Dubai Metro Station Kiosks

Every Dubai Metro station has NOL Card Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) that allow passengers to check their balance by tapping the card. You can also use the kiosk to perform a NOL card balance inquiry by scanning the card — the card number is read automatically from the card chip.

This method is ideal for commuters who prefer not to use digital portals. TVMs are operational 24 hours at major stations and during metro operating hours at standard stations. The machine displays current balance, last trip fare, and card validity status.

Method 4: RTA Customer Service Balance Inquiry

You can call the RTA helpline at 800 9090 to request a balance inquiry. Have your 18-digit NOL card number ready. The customer service agent will verify your card number and provide your current balance, last transaction, and card status. This method is particularly useful if you suspect card loss or fraudulent activity.

All Balance Check Methods: Feature Comparison

The table below summarises every available NOL card balance check method, their requirements, and suitability for different user types.

NOL Card Minimum Balance Requirement

All NOL cards must maintain a minimum balance of AED 7.50 to permit boarding on any RTA public transport mode — Dubai Metro, RTA Bus, Dubai Tram, or Water Bus. If your balance falls below this threshold, the card will be declined at fare gates. You must recharge your NOL card before travelling.

The Silver NOL card carries an additional AED 5 card deposit included in its initial purchase price of AED 25 (AED 20 initial credit + AED 5 deposit). The Gold NOL card has an initial fee of AED 25 with a deposit of AED 5. These deposit amounts are refundable upon card surrender at any RTA customer service centre.

What to Do When Your NOL Card Balance Is Low

Once you've checked your NOL card balance by card number and confirmed it is low, you have several recharge options. The fastest is the NOL Pay app, which enables instant top-up via credit or debit card. Alternatively, use the NOL card recharge online portal at nol.ae or visit a metro station TVM.

Frequently Asked Questions — NOL Card Balance Check with Number

What Is the Dubai Metro Card (NOL Card)?

The Dubai Metro card, officially called the NOL card, is a contactless smart card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai. It functions as the sole payment method for all RTA-operated public transport services including the Dubai Metro Red Line, Green Line, RTA Bus network, Dubai Tram, Water Bus, and paid parking.

Unlike standalone metro cards in other cities, the NOL card is a multi-modal transport card that stores a monetary balance and, where applicable, a monthly pass. Passengers tap the card at fare gates to enter and exit. The system automatically deducts the correct fare based on the origin, destination, and applicable zones.

Method 1: Check Dubai Metro Card Balance Online via nol.ae

The RTA NOL portal (nol.ae) is the official online platform for Dubai Metro card balance check. It requires only your card number and takes under 30 seconds to complete.

1. 1
   Navigate to nol.ae in any browser on mobile or desktop.
2. 2
   Select "Balance Inquiry" or the balance check option on the homepage.
3. 3
   Enter your 18-digit NOL card number — found on the back of your Dubai Metro card.
4. 4
   Submit the form. Your balance, card status, and expiry date display instantly.

Method 2: RTA Metro Card Balance Check via NOL Pay App

The NOL Pay app is RTA Dubai's official mobile application for managing NOL cards. After adding your card number, the app continuously syncs your metro card balance and displays it on the home screen. It also shows your recent trip history, applicable fares, and remaining monthly pass days if active.

How to Check Metro Card Balance on Mobile (NOL Pay)

1. 1
   Download NOL Pay from Google Play or App Store. It's the official app by RTA Dubai.
2. 2
   Sign up with your Emirates ID, mobile number, and create a PIN.
3. 3
   Tap "Add NOL Card", enter your 18-digit metro card number or scan via NFC.
4. 4
   Your current metro card balance, last transaction, and card type are shown on the dashboard.

Method 3: How to Check Metro Card Balance with NFC on Mobile Phone

Android phones with NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled can read NOL card balance data by tapping the card against the phone's NFC sensor, usually located on the back. This method works without internet and is the fastest way to check your Dubai Metro card balance on mobile.

NFC Balance Check Steps

1. 1
   Enable NFC in your Android phone's settings (Quick Settings → NFC toggle ON).
2. 2
   Open NOL Pay and tap "Scan NOL Card" or simply hold the NOL card to the back of your phone.
3. 3
   The app reads the card chip and displays the current balance within 2–3 seconds.

Method 4: Dubai Metro Station Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)

All Dubai Metro stations on both the Red Line and Green Line are equipped with Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) that support NOL card balance checks. Simply tap your card on the reader, and the machine displays your remaining balance and card expiry.

TVMs also allow you to top up your metro card balance on the spot using cash (AED) or a bank card. They are particularly useful for commuters who prefer in-person transactions or whose phone battery is low. TVMs operate during metro operating hours — typically 05:30 to midnight on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.

Dubai Metro Card Balance Check: Quick Reference

Dubai Metro Fare Zones and How They Affect Your Balance

The Dubai Metro fare system is zone-based. The metro network is divided into zones (T1, T2, T3), and your fare is calculated based on how many zones you travel through in a single trip. Understanding zones helps you predict how your metro card balance decreases per journey.

If you travel frequently, a NOL card monthly pass may reduce your transport cost significantly compared to per-trip deductions from your metro card balance.

Frequently Asked Questions — Dubai Metro Card Balance Check