Turkish card fees: are they legal and can you get them back?
Short answer: fees are legal but limited. Here are the rules banks must follow and how to dispute a fee, with official sources.
Are annual card fees legal in Turkey?
Yes, banks may charge them, within central bank rules: every bank must offer a no-fee card type, you must have agreed to the fee, and fee increases need at least 30 days’ notice.
When can’t a bank charge the fee?
No annual fee on a card unused for 180 days, none while you repay a card you’ve closed, none on debit or virtual cards, and an extra card can’t cost more than half the main card’s fee.
Can I switch to a no-fee card?
Yes. The bank must swap your card for a no-fee one with the same limit if you ask.
Where do I claim a refund?
Ask your bank first. If that fails, disputes under 186,000 TL in 2026 go to the provincial or district consumer arbitration committee, free of charge. You can also apply online through e-Devlet.
A card with no fee
We list every bank’s no-fee card and its conditions on one page: No-fee credit cards
Sources: TCMB · Ministry of Trade · Last checked: 27 September 2026 · Denkle editorial desk