18.10.2026 08:41
Within the scope of banks' financial audit processes, the bank accounts and credit cards of customers who do not submit the requested income documents on time may be closed to use. In line with MASAK regulations, while money transfers inconsistent with income and suspicious account movements are taken under investigation, transactions of customers who do not present the requested documents may be halted and their banking relationships may be completely terminated.
In Turkey, banks monitor their customers' financial transactions within the scope of the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) regulations. In cases of suspicious money movements or movements inconsistent with declared income, customers may be asked to provide official documents. If the requested documents are not submitted, temporary restrictions may be imposed on bank accounts and credit cards. If the necessary conditions are met, the banking relationship may be terminated entirely.
BANKS CAN REQUEST PROOF OF INCOME
In the banking sector, controls on customer accounts continue as part of the fight against money laundering and illegal financial activities. When banks detect money transfers that do not match their customers' income status or unusual account movements, they can question the source of the transactions.
Within this scope, customers may be asked for payslips, tax returns, sales contracts, or other official documents showing the source of the money transfer.
Failure to provide the requested information and documents within the period set by the bank may lead to restrictions on the use of accounts.
INSPECTIONS DO NOT COVER ONLY HIGH-VALUE TRANSACTIONS
In banks' review processes, not only the amount of money transferred but also the customer's financial profile is important.
For example, if a person with no regular income or working for minimum wage has high-value deposits into their account within a short period, this may become a subject of review by the bank.
Similarly, consecutive cash deposit transactions or transfers inconsistent with the person's known income level may also lead to a request for additional explanation.
For this reason, there is no single lower limit that applies to all suspicious transactions. Banks can make assessments based on the nature of the transactions and the customer's risk profile.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THESE DOCUMENTS READY
In cases where banks question the source of money, different documents may need to be submitted depending on the nature of the transaction.
For salaries and regular income, current payslips, Social Security Institution (SGK) service records, or tax returns can be used.
For money obtained from the sale of a house or vehicle, land registry records, sales contracts, and payment receipts may be requested.
For money movements arising from commercial activities, tax certificates, invoices, balance sheets, and income statements are important.
For assets acquired through inheritance, an inheritance certificate, tax documents, and relevant account records can be submitted to explain the source of the money.
IF DOCUMENTS ARE NOT SUBMITTED, RESTRICTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED ON ACCOUNTS
Depositing legally earned money into a bank account or transferring it to another account does not by itself constitute a violation of the regulations.
However, failure to provide the information and documents requested by banks within the scope of their legal obligations may prevent certain transactions from being carried out.
If the conditions stipulated in the regulations are met, banks can suspend transactions, impose restrictions on account and card use, or terminate the business relationship with the customer.
If a suspicious transaction assessment is made, a report may also be submitted to MASAK within the framework of the relevant regulations.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PREVENT ACCOUNTS FROM BEING CLOSED?
To avoid problems in banking transactions, it is important to keep documents showing the source of money, especially for unusual or high-value money transfers.
Customers are advised to take into account information and document requests from banks and, when necessary, contact customer representatives.
On the other hand, it is stated that not every document request automatically results in account closure, and the measures to be applied vary depending on the nature of the transaction and the relevant regulations.