Check your balance on RTA
Type the 10-digit nol tag ID from the back of your card. We check the format, copy it for you and open RTA's official site, where you paste it into the "Check nol balance" box. Your number is not sent to us or stored.
5 ways to check your nol balance
| Method | What you need | Up to date? |
|---|---|---|
| nol Pay app (NFC) | Phone with NFC, card held against the phone | Yes, reads the card |
| Ticket vending machine | Tap the card at any metro machine | Yes, reads the card |
| Ticket office | Hand the card to the staff | Yes |
| rta.ae website | 10-digit nol tag ID | May miss the last 48 hours |
| RTA Dubai or S'hail app | 10-digit nol tag ID | May miss the last 48 hours |
Check online with the nol tag ID
- Turn the card over and find the 10-digit nol tag ID.
- Open the "Check nol balance" box on rta.ae, or the nol section of the RTA Dubai or S'hail app.
- Enter the number and confirm. Remember that recent trips and top-ups can take up to 48 hours to appear.
Check with your phone (NFC)
- Install nol Pay and turn on NFC (on some iPhones, enable the NFC tag reader).
- Choose the option to read a physical card and hold the card flat against the back of the phone.
- The app shows the balance and lets you top up instantly, with no need to activate the top-up at a gate.
Not enough balance?
You need AED 7.50 on a Silver card to pass the entry gate; keep AED 15 (Silver) or AED 30 (Gold) for a return trip. Minimum top-ups are AED 20 at ticket machines and AED 50 at ticket offices, while online top-ups have a lower minimum. See how to top up.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nol tag ID on my card?
It is the 10-digit number printed on the back of the nol card. You need it to check the balance online or in an app without tapping the card.
Why does the online balance not match my card?
The online balance may not include trips and top-ups from the last 48 hours. A ticket machine, ticket office or NFC phone reading always shows the balance stored on the card itself.
Can I check my nol balance with an iPhone?
Yes. The nol Pay app reads the card by NFC on iPhone and Android; on some iPhones you may need to enable the NFC tag reader first.
How do I know if my nol card has expired?
Personal (Blue) cards show the expiry date. For Silver and Gold cards, check the validity at a ticket machine or ticket office in any metro station; parking meters also show a message when a card expires within 30 days.
What is the minimum balance needed to travel?
RTA states AED 7.50, the highest single Silver fare. For a return trip, for example to the airport, keep at least AED 15 on Silver or AED 30 on Gold.
nol card guide
Card types, prices and where to buy.
Top up a nol card
Minimum amounts and every channel.
Weekly and monthly passes
7, 30, 90 and 365-day pass prices.
Lost or expired card
Block, refund or replace your card.
Metro fares
AED 3 to 7.50 per trip by zone.
Reviewed 1 October 2026.