23.04.2026 19:01
The legal status of RedotPay, a crypto card service increasingly popular among Turkish users, remains controversial in Turkey. Experts emphasize that the situation is not a "gray area" and that the prohibition is clear and explicit. KAST, which was in a similar position in the past, was forced to withdraw from Turkey. Here are the details...
The regulation of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) dated April 16, 2021, explicitly prohibits the direct or indirect use of crypto assets for payments of goods and services. This regulation covers not only direct crypto payments but also the use of converted crypto assets as a payment tool. Accordingly, any model based on crypto assets is considered within the scope of this ban.
WHAT IS REDOTPAY AND ITS STATUS IN TURKEY?
Developed by Hong Kong-based Red Dot Technology Limited, RedotPay is a crypto card service that allows users to convert their crypto assets (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) and make payments at over 130 million merchants using physical and virtual cards. The platform claims to have reached 5 million users in over 100 countries. The app offers Turkish language support and is actively used in Turkey.
So, is RedotPay legal in Turkey? RedotPay does not hold a payment institution license under CBRT regulations, a crypto asset service provider permit from the Capital Markets Board (SPK), a banking license, or an e-money institution status. Experts clearly state that the CBRT Regulation also covers the phrase 'indirect use.' They emphasize that a model converting crypto assets into Turkish Lira or foreign currency to make payments is fully considered within this scope and not exempt from the ban. Another critical point highlighted is that while providing Turkish Lira payment services requires a banking or e-money institution license, RedotPay has none of these licenses.
ADMISSION FROM REDOTPAY'S OWN WEBSITE: NO ACTIVE INCENTIVE FROM OUTSIDE TURKEY
Another noteworthy aspect is the warning note on RedotPay's official website. The platform states on its site that a license may be required to operate outside Hong Kong and that its content is intended only for residents of Hong Kong. It also notes that users from other countries, including Turkey, access the site on their own initiative, and there is no active solicitation or invitation. This statement indicates that the platform is aware of its own legal ambiguity and feels compelled to add this warning due to international obligations.
LEGAL RISK AFFECTS BOTH USERS AND THE PLATFORM
Experts also remind that Turkish users of RedotPay carry certain legal risks. Transactions based on crypto assets in the payment chain may violate the CBRT Regulation. Additionally, conducting transactions through an unlicensed foreign platform leaves users completely devoid of legal protection in case of any issues. Since the platform has no legal basis in Turkey, there is no authorized Turkish authority to file complaints. The user's only point of contact remains the platform's own customer service.