06.07.2026 11:40
Banks have increased credit card annual membership fees by an average of 60 percent in the new period. While fees for some premium cards reach thousands of liras, consumers can request cards without fees. If the bank does not accept the refund, it is possible to get the fee back by filing a free application to the Consumer Arbitration Committee via e-Government.
Banks have updated their credit card annual membership fees with the new period tariffs. The increases have started to reflect on cardholders' account statements.
According to reports, the average increase rate has reached approximately 60 percent in fees that vary depending on the card's features and the banks' pricing policies.
FEES FOR PREMIUM CARDS HAVE REACHED THOUSANDS OF LIRAS
While annual membership fees differ from bank to bank, fee amounts have risen to notable levels, especially for premium cards that offer additional benefits.
While lower fees apply to standard cards, annual fees for high-limit and privileged service cards can reach thousands of liras.
FEE-FREE CARD OPTION IS AVAILABLE
By regulation, banks are required to offer their customers a credit card option with no annual membership fee.
Users who do not wish to pay an annual fee can apply to their banks to replace their existing cards with a fee-free credit card.
CONTACT THE BANK FIRST FOR FEE REFUND
Consumers who see the annual card fee on their statement are advised to first contact their banks.
Some banks, aiming to maintain customer satisfaction, may cancel the fee in exchange for a promise of a certain spending amount or setting up an automatic payment instruction. In some cases, points or card balance equivalent to the fee may be credited.
IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED, APPLICATION CAN BE MADE TO THE ARBITRATION COMMITTEE
If negotiations with the bank yield no results, consumers can make a free application to the Consumer Arbitration Committee via e-Government through the Consumer Information System (TÜBİS).
In applications, the account statement showing the annual card fee and relevant documents are examined. If it is determined that the contract contains unfair terms against the consumer, the arbitration committees can decide on the refund of the fee.