17.07.2026 13:20
It has been claimed that banks, which are alleged to have difficulty supplying cash to ATMs due to high inflation, have also removed 100 TL banknotes from the machines to reduce operational burdens. While former Ziraat Bank Deputy General Manager Şenol Babuşçu stated that banks now only put 200 TL banknotes in ATMs, economists argue that new 500 and 1000 TL banknotes should be put into circulation.
The increase in daily cash needs following high inflation and declining purchasing power has complicated banks' ATM operations. Despite increases in cash transport vehicles and personnel numbers, it is claimed that banks are struggling to keep ATMs stocked with cash, and it is alleged that banks have implemented a new practice.
According to the claim, after removing 10, 20, and 50 TL banknotes from ATMs last year, banks have now also removed 100 TL banknotes from the devices to reduce operational burden.
ŞENOL BABUŞÇU: NOW ONLY 200 TL IS BEING PLACED
Former Deputy General Manager of Ziraat Bank, Şenol Babuşçu, drew attention to the change in the sector in a post on his social media account, stating, "Banks no longer put banknotes other than 200 TL into ATMs."
According to a report by Yeniçağ, it is stated that all cash compartments in ATMs are filled with 200 TL banknotes, allowing the devices to provide service for longer periods.
HIGH INFLATION INCREASED LOGISTICAL BURDEN
While it is noted that the purchasing power of the 200 TL banknote, which entered circulation on January 1, 2009, has significantly decreased over the years, it is stated that citizens are forced to carry large numbers of banknotes even for basic grocery and market shopping. This situation is reported to have also increased banks' costs for cash transport and ATM replenishment.
DEBATE OVER 500 AND 1000 TL BANKNOTES BACK ON THE AGENDA
Economists point out that following the widespread adoption of a single denomination practice in ATMs, discussions about introducing new 500 and 1000 TL banknotes have returned to the agenda. It is stated that higher denomination banknotes could both facilitate ATM operations and reduce costs in cash circulation.