What Is Nol Card Balance Transfer?
A Nol Card Balance Transfer involves moving stored credit, active travel passes, and registration details from one Nol card to another. This is commonly required when a card expires, is damaged, or when a registered card is lost and its balance needs to be recovered to a replacement.
In 2026, the RTA has unified these services through the Nol Pay app and RTA Dubai Portal, making card-to-card moves fast and generally free of charge.
3 Main Ways to Transfer Balance
Online & Apps
Best for instant NFC taps or registered card moves via RTA accounts.
Ticket Machines
Best for users at metro stations without NFC-enabled phones.
Happiness Centers
Best for lost, damaged, or complex concession card issues.
Nol Pay App (NFC Method)
Using Near-Field Communication (NFC) is the fastest way to move credit. Hold your card to the back of your phone to read/write data.
Enable NFC
Ensure NFC is active in your phone's settings menu.
Scan Sender Card
Tap the source card to the back of your phone to read the balance.
Select Transfer
Choose 'Nol-to-Nol Transfer' in the app menu.
Scan Destination Card
Tap the target card when prompted to confirm the recipient.
Confirm & Sync
Submit the amount and tap the destination card again to sync the new balance.
Eligibility & Card Types
| Card Type | Transfer Support | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Blue (Personal) | Full Support | Mandatory |
| Silver / Gold | Full (if registered) | Recommended |
| Red Ticket | Limited | N/A |
Security Note
You cannot directly transfer a Nol balance to a bank account. For cash withdrawals, you must submit a 'Refund' request which involves a processing fee of AED 5 or 2.5%.
Lost Card Recovery
If you lose a registered Nol card, follow these steps immediately to protect your balance:
- 1. Block the Card: Use the RTA app or call 800 90 90 to freeze the funds.
- 2. Identity Check: Verify your ownership using your Emirates ID.
- 3. Transfer Request: Submit a request to move the remaining balance to a new Silver, Gold, or Blue card.
- 4. Processing: Most lost card transfers are completed within 24 to 48 hours.