Words on this site
Short, plain definitions. If you spot a term we missed, tell us — we will add it.
Nol tag ID
The 10-digit number printed on the back of a nol transit card. TopUpNol uses this number to route the top-up. It is not a PIN, and it is not a card number — it is safe to share on a receipt.
AED (dirham)
The United Arab Emirates dirham, the currency used across the UAE. TopUpNol works in whole AED only, from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 500 per order.
Card balance
The pre-paid amount sitting on your nol card. Fares are deducted from it each time you tap in and out. When it dips, you top up.
Payment receipt
The confirmation email TopUpNol sends after a successful top-up. Contains the order number, the AED amount, the tag ID and a timestamp.
Order number
A short reference that starts with "NL-". Include it in any support email — it is the fastest way for us to look up your transaction.
3-D Secure
An extra confirmation step from your bank during card payment. Usually a one-time code by SMS or a tap on your banking app. Not every card requires it.
Secure payment page
The pay.topupnolcard.org page where the actual card details are entered. Separate domain to keep card-payment security cleanly ring-fenced.
Tap in / tap out
The action of holding your nol card against the reader at a metro gate, bus door or tram station. The fare is calculated when you tap out.
Preset amount
The big chips on the recharge page — AED 30, 40, 50, 100 or 150. Quick, common values riders top up.
Custom amount
A whole AED amount you type in yourself, between 10 and 500. Handy when a preset does not quite fit your usual travel pattern.