NOL Card Damaged – How to Get Back Money From Damaged RTA Card?

In the UAE, especially in Dubai, the NOL card is an essential part of daily life, used for paying fares on public transport such as the Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. But what happens when your NOL card is damaged or stops working? Fortunately, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers simple solutions to report, replace, and recover funds from a faulty or damaged NOL card.
What to Do If Your NOL Card Is Damaged
If you discover your NOL card is damaged, do not worry. RTA provides two convenient methods to report the issue and initiate a refund or replacement:
Using the NOL Pay App
If your Nol card is linked with the NOL Pay mobile application, follow these steps:
- Report the Issue: Open the app, tap on the “More Services” section, and choose “Report Lost/Damaged”.
- Identify Your Card: If your card is already linked, just select it. Otherwise, you’ll need to enter the 10-digit Nol Tag ID and PIN.
- Submit Request: Select the reason for the report (damaged or lost), and submit your request for processing.
- Balance Transfer: Once approved, your remaining balance will be transferred to a new NOL card, which can then be activated through one of the supported machines.
Using the RTA Website
For users preferring a web-based method, here’s how to report a NOL card damaged through the official RTA portal:
- Step 1: Apply: Visit the RTA website and navigate to the “Apply for Renewing or Replacing Personal NOL Card” section.
- Step 2: Card Identification: Input your NOL Tag ID, select the correct card category (Silver, Gold, or Blue).
- Step 3: Submit Application: Choose the “Lost/Damaged Card” reason, provide your PIN, and submit the request.
- Step 4: Track Application: After submission, you’ll receive a reference number. You can track your request online. Processing usually takes up to 4 working days.
- Step 5: Activate the New Card: Once issued, the new card can be activated by tapping it at:
- Metro station gates
- Solar-powered top-up machines
- Parking machines
- Via the NOL Pay app
Important Notes for Damaged NOL Cards
- For personalized NOL cards, you can update personal information, upload identity documents, and manage your account during the replacement process.
- A nominal replacement fee may be applicable for the new card and balance transfer.
- If your card is expired or faulty, you can still attempt to recover the balance using the NOL Pay app.
Where to Buy a New NOL Card
If your card cannot be recovered or replaced, you can easily purchase a new NOL card from:
- Metro station ticket counters
- Self-service vending machines
- RTA-authorized sales agents
Make sure to register your new card to enjoy balance protection, online services, and refunds in case of damage or loss.
How to Get Back Money from a Damaged RTA Card
Many commuters often ask: how to get back money from damaged RTA card? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Refund Guide
- Report the Damage: Whether through the NOL Pay app or RTA website, begin by marking your card as damaged.
- Apply for Refund or Replacement: Choose whether you want a refund or a replacement card.
- Balance Transfer Process: The RTA will initiate a balance transfer from the damaged card to a new one.
- Receive SMS Confirmation: You will be notified via SMS once the refund or replacement has been approved.
- Tap the New Card to Activate: To ensure the balance reflects on the new card, tap it on any metro gate, solar top-up machine, or parking meter 45 minutes to 4 hours after receiving the confirmation SMS.
Cash Refunds for Low Balances
- If your remaining balance is less than AED 100, the RTA may allow a cash refund through designated service points.
- For balances above AED 100, the amount will be transferred to another registered NOL card.
You can track the status of your refund or replacement request on the RTA website under your account or using the reference number provided.
RTA Customer Support
Still need help with a NOL card damaged issue? You can reach out to RTA Customer Service directly:
Call 800 9090
Explain the situation, and provide both your old card number and the new card number (if available). Their support team can assist with balance recovery or help resolve any delays in processing.
Recovering a Damaged NOL Card in Dubai
Action | Method | Platform | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Report Damaged Card | Online/App | RTA website / nol Pay | Use 10-digit tag ID & PIN |
Apply for Replacement | Online/App | RTA website / nol Pay | Choose “Lost/Damaged Card” |
Track Application | Online | RTA website | Use reference number provided |
Activate New Card | Physical action | Solar/metro/parking | Tap card to reflect new balance |
Contact Support | Phone | 800 9090 | Provide both old and new card numbers |
Refund for < AED 100 | In-person | Designated outlets | May be eligible for cash refund |
Refund for > AED 100 | Online | To registered card | Balance moved to another registered NOL card |
Conclusion
Having a NOL card damaged doesn’t mean you’ve lost your money. Thanks to the RTA’s efficient online and mobile services, you can quickly report the issue, request a refund, or apply for a replacement. Always register your NOL card, keep track of your card balance, and use official channels like the NOL Pay app and RTA website for a secure experience.