NOL Card Balance Refund – NOL Card Refund – Can a NOL Card be Refunded?

NOL Card refund process allows users to get back any remaining balance from their NOL Card, which is used for travel on buses, metro, trams, and other transport in Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provides easy ways to apply for a NOL Card refund, either online or in person. By following the right steps, you can quickly and easily get your money back.
Documents Required for NOL Balance Refund
You can get a refund for your RTA Nol Card if you have the following information:
- Nol Card Tag ID: Your Nol Card Tag ID should be noted down. Your card is identified by this identifier.
- Nol Card (in case of balance transfer): You need the registered or personal alternative Nol Card details if you are transferring the balance.
- Mobile Number: You should have a working mobile number. During the refund process, this is important for communication.
- ID or Passport: A passport or Emirates ID is required to prove ownership.
- Details of Nol Card-Linked Bank Account: For refund amount transactions, please provide the details of the bank account linked to your Nol Card.
Who Can Apply for a NOL Card Refund?
- If your remaining balance is below AED 100, you can receive a cash refund.
- If your balance is above AED 100, the refund will be transferred to another registered Nol Card instead of cash.
- You can also claim a refund if you were overcharged while using your NOL Card.
NOL Card Balance Refund Link
You can apply for a Nol Card balance refund through the official RTA website. Visit the link below, enter your card details, and follow the steps to get your refund: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/nol/nol-refund
RTA NOL Card Balance Refund Online Process
RTA NOL Card balance refund online process is very easy and simple to follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official NOL Card Balance Refund website.
- Step 2: Enter your “Tag ID” and “Mobile” number.
- Step 3: Fill out the “CATPCHA” and click on the “Next” button.

- Step 4: Refund Type (NOL Card Refund Process)
You need to choose how you want to receive your NOL Card balance refund. There are three options available.

- Transfer to Another NOL Card: If your balance is above AED 100, the refund will be transferred to another registered NOL Card instead of cash.
- Collect Cash Refund: If your remaining balance is below AED 100, you can receive a cash refund.
- Overcharge Claim Refund: If you were overcharged while using your NOL Card, you can request a refund, which will be credited back to the same card.

After selecting the refund type provide the required information, click on the “Next” button.
- Step 5: Review & Confirm the “Terms and Conditions” and click on the “Confirm” button to complete the “NOL Refund” request.

NOL Card Balance Refund Through the NOL Pay App
- Download and install the Nol Pay App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and look for the “Refund NOL Card Balance” option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your refund request.
- Enter the required details, such as your NOL Card number, and complete the process.
- Your refund request will be processed, and the amount will be credited to your preferred account.
NOL Card Balance Refund Through Ticket Vending Machines
You can also use RTA Ticket Vending Machines to get a refund.
- Locate the nearest RTA Ticket Vending Machine at a metro station or bus stop.
- Seek assistance from a RTA agent if needed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and select the refund option.
- Enter your Nol tag ID (found on the back of your card).
- Complete the process and track your refund status.
NOL Card Balance Refund Through the Customer Service Center
If you need personal assistance, contact RTA’s customer service.
- Call 800 90 90 or visit an RTA Customer Service Center.
- Inform the representative that you want a NOL Card refund.
- They will guide you through the process and ask for required details like your NOL Card number and ID verification.
- Follow their instructions and provide any additional information needed.
NOL Card Balance Refund by Video Guide
NOL Card Balance Refund in Person
If you prefer to get your NOL Card balance refunded in person, you can visit an RTA Customer Service Center or selected metro and bus stations in Dubai.
- Visit the nearest RTA Customer Service Center or metro/bus station for NOL services.
- Provide your NOL Card and a valid ID for verification.
- Fill out a refund request form if required.
- Staff will process your request and confirm eligibility.
- Once approved, you will receive a refund through the designated method.
What is NOL Card Refund?
The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon launch its first recycling program, encouraging public transport users to return their smart cards. Your card balance can be refunded if you do so.
Service Fees for NOL Card Refund
- Cash Refund: If you request a refund in cash, RTA may charge a 2.5% fee on the refund amount. The minimum charge is 5 AED, even if 2.5% of your balance is lower than this amount.
- NOL Balance Transfer: If you transfer your balance to another registered or personalized Nol Card, there are no service fees. This is a free option if you plan to continue using Nol services.
- Overcharge Refund: If you were charged extra and request a refund, RTA does not charge any fees for this service.
Processing Time for NOL Card Refunds
- Cash Refund Processing: Once you submit a refund request, RTA takes about 4 days to process and approve it.
- Overcharge Refund Processing: If you request a refund due to an overcharge, it typically takes 3 days to process. In some cases, additional verification is required. It may take up to 7 days.
- NOL Balance Transfer Time: If you are transferring your Nol balance to another card, the transfer will be activated within 45 minutes to 4 hours.
Note:
You can receive cash if your card has less than 100 AED remaining. Your preferred refund option, however, is to transfer the remaining amount to another registered Nol card if the amount exceeds 100 AED.
Common Issues for NOL Card Refund
Here are some common issues for NOL card refund that users in Dubai often experience:
1. Expired Card
If your NOL card has expired, refund processing can be delayed or denied, especially if it hasn’t been used recently.
2. Card is Damaged
Physically damaged cards (broken, scratched chip, etc.) may cause problems during the refund process, as the system may not be able to read the card balance or details.
3. Insufficient Balance
Refunds are usually applicable only if your NOL card has a minimum remaining balance (e.g., above AED 5). Cards with low balance might not be eligible.
4. Card Not Registered
Unregistered NOL cards (especially anonymous ones) may not be refunded easily. RTA typically prioritizes refunds for registered cards, where ownership can be verified.
5. Lost or Stolen Card
In the case of a lost or stolen card, claiming a refund becomes tricky unless the card was registered. Unregistered cards are usually non-refundable in such cases.
6. Refund Processing Time
Refunds can take several days or even weeks to process. Some users find this delay frustrating, especially if they need the balance urgently.
7. Multiple Refund Requests
If you’ve submitted multiple refund requests or tried to claim from different platforms (e.g., kiosks, online, or customer service centers), your request might get delayed or rejected due to duplication.
8. Incorrect Details
Submitting incorrect information (like card number or ID) during a refund request can lead to processing failures or rejections.
FAQs About NOL Card Refunds
Conclusion
Claiming your NOL Card refund is a straightforward process provided by Dubai’s RTA. Whether online, via app, or in person, following the right steps ensures your NOL balance refund is processed smoothly, securely, and efficiently.