13.03.2026 14:20
The crypto cards that introduce phenomena continue to enter a controversial legal area in Turkey. Experts emphasize that the issue is not a "gray area" and that the ban is clear. Here are the details…
With the growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, "crypto cards" that promise to link digital assets to daily expenses have also become a topic of discussion in Turkey. However, the legal status of these products brings about a deep debate within the community. While some argue that the use of these cards is legal in Turkey, when examining legal experts and the regulatory framework, the picture looks very different.
KAST HAS STARTED PROMOTIONS IN TURKEY
One of the companies at the center of this debate is the KAST crypto card. The overseas-based platform is being promoted by numerous crypto influencers in Turkey. Content creators are directing their followers to the platform by claiming that KAST is legal in Turkey in their social media posts and video content. Influencers convey the message "It works smoothly in Turkey" to their followers by asserting that they have experienced and tested the product. This content significantly increases interest in the platform.
LEGAL CLEARANCE: CRYPTO CARDS ARE NOT LEGAL
The use of crypto assets as a payment instrument for goods or services has been prohibited by the "Regulation on the Non-Use of Crypto Assets in Payments," published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) on April 16, 2021, with the number 31456. Experts emphasize that this regulation covers the direct or indirect use of crypto assets in payments and any form of benefit from crypto assets in the provision of payment services.
"INDIRECT USE IS ALSO WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE BAN"
Within a segment of the crypto community, there is a widespread view that the cards use crypto assets not directly but by converting them into USD or TRY, and therefore fall outside the scope of the ban. However, experts evaluate this approach as legally invalid. Experts remind that the TCMB Regulation prohibits the use of crypto assets in payments not only directly but also indirectly, and they believe that since the transaction in models like KAST is based on crypto assets, the entire conversion chain falls under the scope of indirect use.
Another important point according to experts is the licensing requirement. To provide payment services in Turkish lira, a banking license or an e-money institution license is required; no entity without these licenses can offer payment intermediary services in Turkey.
NO CRYPTO CARD IS LEGAL IN TURKEY
According to experts, KAST is not a registered or licensed company in Turkey. The platform does not have the necessary permissions from the Capital Markets Board (SPK) nor does it have banking or e-money institution status. Experts believe that this situation makes any guidance and use of the platform problematic, regardless of the technical content of the services offered.
The comparison that occasionally comes up, stating "similar to currency conversion in the banking system," is also considered misleading by experts. They remind that currency transactions conducted with TRY in banks are carried out within a legal and licensed system, pointing out that KAST does not have a banking license or an e-money institution license. Experts evaluate that although it appears to perform the same transaction, there is no legal basis, and they note that the promotional activities conducted in Turkey could also constitute a separate violation. According to SPK regulations, conducting Turkish marketing and promotional activities in Turkey without obtaining a license is considered unauthorized crypto service provision.
PARİBU CARD WAS SUSPENDED IN 2021
There is also a notable precedent in the field of crypto cards in Turkey. Paribu announced its own payment card in November 2020. However, after the TCMB Regulation came into effect, the project had to be suspended. Experts emphasize that even one of Turkey's oldest crypto exchanges could not progress in this direction, highlighting the clarity of the legal situation.