Government & Regulations
Dubai Metro Increases Minimum Nol Card Top-Up Amount at Vending Machines
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced an increase in the minimum top-up amount for Nol cards at ticket vending machines in Dubai Metro stations. Effective March 1, 2025, commuters will need to add a minimum of Dh20 to their Nol cards when using these machines, up from the previous Dh5 requirement.
Revised Top-Up Policies
The new policy follows a previous revision in 2024 when the minimum top-up amount at metro ticket offices was increased to Dh50, from an earlier Dh20. However, passengers using vending machines were still able to top up their Nol cards with Dh5 until this latest adjustment.
To travel on the Dubai Metro, commuters must maintain a minimum balance of Dh7.5 on their Nol cards. The Nol card system offers four different types of passes:
- Silver Card
- Gold Card
- Personal Card
- Red Ticket Pass
Multiple Payment Options for Nol Cards
Dubai residents and visitors can top up their Nol cards through five different methods, including online platforms, vending machines, metro ticket offices, mobile applications, and select retail outlets.
Nol cards are widely used for cashless commuting in Dubai and are accepted on the metro, buses, water transport, and trams. In December 2024, the RTA extended the usage of Nol cards to e-scooter rentals, further promoting a cashless transportation system.
Beyond public transport, Nol cards are also used for retail transactions, including payments at select supermarkets and restaurants. Users can personalize their Nol cards to access exclusive benefits, such as reward points and the ability to block a lost card.
For more updates on Dubai’s transportation policies and services, stay connected with official RTA announcements.