Ownership
State-owned (T.C. Ziraat Bankası).
Private, majority-owned by Spain's BBVA.
Branches nationwide
The largest branch network in Türkiye, including small towns where private banks have none — we could not source a current count.
A much smaller network, concentrated in cities — we could not source a current count.
Account opening with tourist visa
Accepts tourist visa holders with passport + tax number + Turkish phone. Branch discretion varies.
Accepts tourist visa holders in most urban branches. More consistent than Ziraat.
Minimum opening deposit
No minimum is published for a basic TRY account. Branches sometimes ask for an opening balance on an FX account; the amount is branch discretion, so ask before you queue.
Typically none for basic accounts; minimum balance rules may apply.
Monthly account fees
Not published. Ask for the account's fee sheet (ücret tarifesi) at account opening — consumer fees are capped by the Central Bank's fee communiqué, so the sheet is the real answer.
Not published, and it varies by product tier. Ask for the fee sheet before you pick the tier.
Foreign currency accounts
USD, EUR, GBP standard. Limited additional currencies.
A wider multi-currency range than the state banks, per the app; we could not source the exact list, so check it in the app before you rely on a specific currency.
English-language support
Limited. Staff English varies heavily by branch and individual. Call center Turkish-first.
Strong. English-speaking staff standard in Istanbul and Ankara branches. English app and call center.
Mobile banking app
Functional, in Turkish. English mode exists but inconsistent translation.
Polished English interface, widely considered the best banking app in Turkey.
Online account opening
Limited online onboarding for foreigners — branch visit typically required.
Partial online application, branch visit still needed for verification.
Debit card issuance
On-the-spot or within 3-5 business days.
On-the-spot or within 3-5 business days.
Credit card for foreigners
Requires residence permit and documented Turkish income. Conservative limits.
Residence permit required. More flexible with international income proof. Bonus loyalty ecosystem.
SWIFT wire fees (outbound)
Not published — SWIFT pricing is set by your contract with the bank, plus correspondent fees nobody quotes upfront. Ask the branch in writing.
Not published — same as the other column: contract pricing plus correspondent fees. Ask the branch in writing.
SWIFT wire fees (inbound)
Not published. Ask; inbound fees are sometimes waived and sometimes not.
Not published. Sometimes waived, sometimes not; ask before you have money sent.
ATM network
The largest ATM network in Türkiye by a wide margin — we could not source a current count, so treat the size as the point, not a figure.
A smaller network than the state banks and concentrated in cities — we could not source a current count.
KKM (currency-protected deposit) availability
Available — state banks led the rollout.
Available, but program terms are being unwound in 2026.
Participation (Islamic) banking option
Separate brand: Ziraat Katılım.
None — Garanti is conventional-only. (Use Kuveyt Türk or Albaraka for Islamic banking.)
Bill payment & auto-pay
Supports all utilities, taxes, traffic fines via mobile app.
Supports all utilities, taxes, traffic fines via mobile app.
Business banking for foreigners
Strong — Turkish company accounts handled smoothly.
Strong — preferred by expat entrepreneurs for English service.