16.05.2026 12:30
While banks continue to remove small denominations from ATMs, 50 TL banknotes have also been removed from many devices. The increase of the minimum withdrawal limit to 100 TL has particularly put students, retirees, and small tradespeople in a difficult situation, while the problem of giving change is growing in markets and neighborhood shops.
The new banknote arrangement implemented discreetly at ATMs across Turkey has begun to hinder citizens' access to cash. In an effort to use ATM capacity more efficiently, banks first removed 5, 10, and 20 TL banknotes from the system, and now it is observed that 50 TL banknotes are also being withdrawn from many devices. The increase in the minimum withdrawal limit at numerous ATMs to 100 TL directly impacts daily small expenses.
LOW-BALANCE CITIZENS STRUGGLE
The new practice most affects citizens with low balances in their accounts. Unable to withdraw small denominations from ATMs, these citizens face difficulties accessing their money. While it is noted that students, retirees, and low-income citizens typically make daily expenses with small amounts, the inability to withdraw small sums of cash is said to complicate daily life.
CHANGE CRISIS AT NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETS
According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, the effective shift of the smallest usable banknote in circulation to 100 TL has also negatively impacted neighborhood markets and local shopkeepers. In markets with high cash transaction volumes, problems with change for small payments have grown, putting both customers and shopkeepers in a difficult position. It is reported that disputes often arise during payments, especially in markets where price fluctuations occur due to changes in grammage.
SHOPKEEPERS SEARCH FOR SMALL CHANGE
Small shopkeepers are among the groups most affected by the shortage of small banknotes. Grocery stores, markets, tobacconists, pharmacies, and market vendors are forced to search for spare change in the neighborhood to give change to customers throughout the day. Some businesses are said to start the day by getting change from other shops. It is noted that payment issues with medication co-pays and fractional transactions at pharmacies sometimes lead to confrontations between citizens and businesses.
"INFLATION HAS SWALLOWED SMALL MONEY"
Economist Ahmet Karaoğlu stated that the main reason for this situation is high inflation. Karaoğlu said, "ATM cassettes have a physical limit, and as average transaction amounts increase, banks have been forced to make room for 100 and 200 TL banknotes. However, the cost on the street is very heavy. The rounding up of prices reflects on the pockets of low-income people as 'hidden inflation.' Additionally, the inability of students or retirees to access their low balances is a major problem."
Karaoğlu warned that if a new cash flow plan to ease the situation for small shopkeepers and low-income citizens is not implemented, serious issues could arise in the street economy.