How to Top Up Your nol Card
Your nol card can be topped up to a maximum of AED 1,000 for anonymous cards and AED 5,000 for personal/registered nol cards through multiple convenient channels.
⚠️ Important: Activation Required
Activation is required for top-up transactions performed using RTA website and some mobile applications (RTA Dubai & S'hail App). You must wait 45 minutes to 4 hours to insert/tap your nol card in any of the following devices for the reloaded amount to be added and reflected on the current nol e-purse value.
nol Activation Devices:
- Metro Gates
- Parking meter machine
- Bus Solar-Powered machine
Top-Up Methods
📱 nol Pay App
Instant Activation - No waiting required
The fastest and most convenient way to top up. Download the nol Pay app and add balance instantly.
- Instant top-up
- No activation wait time
- Payment via credit/debit card
- Virtual nol card option
🏢 Ticket Offices
Instant Activation - Ready to use immediately
Visit any ticket office at metro or bus stations for instant top-up with immediate activation.
- Available at all stations
- Cash and card accepted
- Instant activation
- Staff assistance available
🎰 Ticket Vending Machines (TVM)
Instant Activation - Ready to use immediately
Use ticket vending machines at metro and bus stations for quick self-service top-up.
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple payment options
- Instant activation
- User-friendly interface
🏪 RTA Authorized Sales Agents
Instant Activation - Ready to use immediately
Top up at authorized retail partners across Dubai including supermarkets and convenience stores.
- Convenient locations
- Extended hours
- Instant activation
- Cash payment available
🌐 RTA Website
Activation Required - 45 min to 4 hours
Top up online through the official RTA portal using your registered nol account.
- Top up from anywhere
- Credit/debit card payment
- Requires card activation
- Registration needed
📲 RTA Dubai & S'hail Apps
Activation Required - 45 min to 4 hours
Use official RTA mobile apps to top up your card on the go.
- Mobile convenience
- Multiple cards management
- Requires card activation
- Journey planning included
How to Activate Your Top-Up
If you topped up via RTA website, RTA Dubai app, or S'hail app, follow these steps to activate your balance:
1. Wait Period
Wait 45 minutes to 4 hours after online top-up
2. Find Device
Locate a metro gate, parking meter, or bus solar machine
3. Tap Card
Tap your nol card on the reader to activate the balance
4. Confirmation
Check your balance - the topped-up amount should now appear
💡 Top-Up Tips
- Use nol Pay app for instant top-ups without activation wait
- Keep minimum AED 7.50 balance for metro travel
- Register your card to unlock AED 5,000 balance limit
- Plan ahead if using online top-up due to activation wait time
- Check balance regularly at metro gates or through apps