18.07.2025 12:32
The Competition Authority has launched an investigation against Mastercard and Visa, which operate in the global card payment systems market, on the grounds that they prevent payment institutions in Turkey from providing services to businesses abroad.
An investigation has been launched regarding Mastercard and Visa. In a statement on the website of the Competition Authority, it was reported that payment institutions operating within the country can provide services to consumers wishing to make payments to businesses located abroad through bilateral agreements made abroad.
"SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON BANKS"
It was emphasized in the statement that under these bilateral agreements, foreign payment transactions have been localized, and these transactions can be carried out without being subject to the cross-border transaction fees of Mastercard or Visa. The initial findings obtained from on-site inspections conducted in this context showed that Mastercard and Visa could hinder the activities of payment institutions that make bilateral agreements through various methods, such as imposing sanctions on banks, on the grounds that they violate the scheme rules they have set. In this regard, an investigation has been launched against Mastercard and Visa, which operate in the global card payment systems market. The investigation will examine allegations of preventing Mastercard and Visa from allowing card payment/POS infrastructure to be used by businesses located abroad and excluding alternative payment solutions.
The statement noted that the examination in this context addresses whether Mastercard and Visa's scheme rules limit the ability of payment institutions in Turkey to provide services to businesses located abroad. The investigation decisions taken by the Authority do not mean that the undertakings under investigation have violated the relevant law and are facing or will face sanctions.