Banks Updated: ATM Withdrawal Limits Changed

Despite the high inflation rate in Turkey, banks have not updated the withdrawal limits they set for card transactions at their ATMs, while some banks have made significant changes to transactions made with QR codes. These changes aim to provide an important solution for citizens, especially in cases where cash usage is necessary.

Inflation and Banknote Demand: TCMB's Decision and ATM Limits

While high inflation in Turkey made it difficult to use cash, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) turned a deaf ear to the demands from the markets by refusing to print new banknotes. This situation caused grievances for individual customers in ATM withdrawal and deposit transactions. At the beginning of 2024, banks decided not to update their card transaction limits. By keeping daily card withdrawal limits at a certain level, banks limited customers from withdrawing more money in transactions to be made through ATMs. This situation caused problems especially for individuals who needed cash.

QR Code Transactions: Rising Limits and Customer Complaints

Cash withdrawals made with QR codes were more popular with private banks during this period. In some areas where cash usage was required, QR code cash withdrawals began to be preferred due to insufficient card limits. However, many banks limited the daily cash withdrawal limits made with QR codes to 10 thousand TL. This situation caused problems especially for citizens who needed to withdraw large amounts of cash.

In mid-January 2025, some private banks decided to increase their QR code transaction limits. However, these steps were evaluated as insufficient by citizens. It is stated that banks' limited limits create difficulties in use, especially for retired and elderly customers. Since QR code transactions are considered complicated and not widespread, users are requesting that banks increase the limits on card transactions.

Current Limit Applications of Banks

With these regulations made despite high inflation, the current situation has taken shape as follows:

  • Card TransactionsBanks do not make any changes to card withdrawal transactions made from ATMs, and generally continue with daily limits between 5 thousand TL and 10 thousand TL.
  • QR Code Transactions: Some private banks have decided to increase the daily limits for withdrawals made with QR codes from 10 thousand TL to 20 thousand TL. However, citizens state that these steps are insufficient and that they need to be able to make larger transactions.

Customer Requests and Banks' Response

Despite these changes, banks have still not made an update to card withdrawal transactions, and the limited improvements made to QR code transactions are increasing complaints among users. Retired customers and elderly people in particular have difficulty using this system because they find QR code transactions complicated.

However, citizens’ demands from banks to increase limits for card transactions will also determine the direction of the new decisions that banks will make. Although banks have not yet clearly announced how they will respond to these demands and complaints, it is expected that customer-focused solution searches will increase further.

While high inflation and banknote shortages in Turkey make it difficult to use cash, banks have made some improvements regarding QR code transactions, limits for card transactions are still insufficient. While customers expect simpler and more accessible solutions, especially for retirees and elderly citizens, banks can provide limit updates and transaction conveniences by taking these demands into account. This process requires a significant transformation not only for banks but also for the general health of the economy.

The name of the Bank Withdrawal Limit (Card) Withdrawal Limit (QR) Total
Akbank 5.000 TL 5.000 TL 10.000 TL
Active Bank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
Alternative Bank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
Anadolu Bank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
Burgan bank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
Deniz Bench 5.000 TL 7.500 TL 12.500 TL
Enpar to 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
Fibabanka 10.000 TL 10.000 TL 20.000 TL
BBVA Guarantee 10.000 TL 10.000 TL 20.000 TL
Halkbank 7.500 TL 7.500 TL 15.000 TL
HSBC 8.500 TL 8.500 TL
ING 10.000 TL 10.000 TL 20.000 TL
KuveytTurk 20.000 TL 10.000 TL 30.000 TL
OdeaBank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL
QNB Finance Bank 10.000 TL 10.000 TL 20.000 TL
TEB 10.000 TL 5.000 TL 15.000 TL
Turkey Business Bank 10.000 TL 5.000 TL 15.000 TL
VakifBank 20.000 TL 5.000 TL 25.000 TL
Yapı Kredi 10.000 TL 5.000 TL 15.000 TL
Ziraat bank 7.500 TL 7.500 TL 15.000 TL
Ziraat Participation 10.000 TL 10.000 TL