Running low on your Nol card balance? You can top up online without visiting a station. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers multiple digital channels to recharge your Nol card from anywhere — whether you're at home, at work, or even abroad before your trip to Dubai.
Recharge Nol Card Online 2026
Top up your Dubai Nol card in minutes using the RTA website, RTA app, Nol Pay app, or Ticket Vending Machines. Step-by-step instructions for every method.
Method 1
RTA Website
- Visit rta.ae and navigate to the "Top up nol card" section
- Enter your 10-digit Nol Tag ID (printed on the back of your card)
- Enter your email address for confirmation
- Select the recharge amount (AED 5 to AED 150)
- Choose your payment method (credit/debit card)
- Complete the transaction and save the confirmation receipt
Processing Time: 45 minutes to 4 hoursBalance reflects next time you tap your card at any metro gate or bus validator
Method 2
RTA Dubai App
- Download the RTA Dubai app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account or log in with your existing credentials
- Go to "nol Services" and select "Top Up"
- Enter your Nol card Tag ID or scan the card
- Select the recharge amount
- Pay using your saved credit/debit card or Apple Pay / Google Pay
Processing Time: 45 minutes to 4 hoursThe app also lets you check your balance, view trip history, and manage multiple cards
Method 3
Nol Pay App
- Download the Nol Pay app from the App Store or Google Play
- Register with your mobile number and create an account
- Add your Nol card by entering the Tag ID or using NFC to scan
- Select "Top Up" and choose the recharge amount
- Pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
- Confirmation is sent instantly via the app
Processing Time: 45 minutes to 4 hoursNol Pay also supports digital Nol cards on compatible NFC-enabled smartphones
Method 4
Ticket Vending Machines & Retail
- Locate a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at any metro or tram station
- Place your Nol card on the card reader
- Select the top-up amount from the screen
- Insert cash or pay by card
- Collect your card — the balance is updated instantly
Processing Time: InstantAlso available at RTA customer service centres, supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu), and participating petrol stations
Top-Up Limits by Card Type
| Card Type | Min Top-Up | Max Online Top-Up | Max Card Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Nol Card | AED 5 | AED 150 | AED 1,000 |
| Gold Nol Card | AED 5 | AED 150 | AED 1,000 |
| Blue (Personal) Nol Card | AED 5 | AED 150 | AED 1,000 |
| Red Nol Ticket | AED 2 | Not available | AED 20 |
Tips for a Smooth Recharge
- Top up before your journey — online recharges can take up to 4 hours to reflect. Plan ahead.
- Use the Nol Pay app for auto top-up — set a minimum balance threshold so your card is always ready.
- Keep your Tag ID handy — save a photo of the back of your Nol card for quick access to the number.
- Need instant balance? Use a Ticket Vending Machine at any metro station for immediate top-up.
- Travelling with family? You can recharge anyone's card online using their Tag ID.
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Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
- Your 10-digit Nol Tag ID is printed on the back of your physical Nol card. It's usually located near the bottom-right corner. If you have a digital Nol card (via Nol Pay app), you can find the Tag ID in the app's card details section.
- The maximum top-up amount via online channels (RTA website, RTA app, Nol Pay) is AED 150 per transaction for all Nol card types. The maximum balance that can be held on a Nol card is AED 1,000 for Silver and Gold cards.
- Online top-ups typically take between 45 minutes and 4 hours to reflect on your card. The balance updates the next time you tap your Nol card at a metro gate, bus validator, or any Nol-enabled reader. Ticket Vending Machine top-ups are instant.
- No. Red Nol Tickets (paper tickets) cannot be recharged online. They can only be topped up at Ticket Vending Machines inside metro stations. If you travel frequently, consider upgrading to a Silver or Gold Nol card for online recharge convenience.
- The RTA website and apps accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards. The RTA Dubai app and Nol Pay app also support Apple Pay and Google Pay for quick contactless payments.
- Yes. The Nol Pay app supports auto top-up. You can set a minimum balance threshold (e.g., AED 10), and the app will automatically recharge your card with a preset amount when the balance drops below that level.
- Online recharges can take up to 4 hours to reflect. Tap your card at any metro gate or bus validator to sync the balance. If the balance still hasn't updated after 4 hours, contact RTA customer support at 8009090 or visit an RTA service centre.
- Yes. As long as you have the 10-digit Tag ID of the card, you can top up any Nol card online — it doesn't need to be your own. This is useful for topping up cards for family members or friends.