Overview of Banks in Turkey
Turkey's banking system consists of a combination of local and international banks that provide a wide range of financial services for individuals and businesses. This article will discuss the main banks in Turkey, the rules for opening a bank account for foreigners, and modern payment systems operating in the country.
Major Turkish Banks
- Ziraat Bankası: One of the largest state-owned banks, offering a broad range of financial services.
- Türkiye İş Bankası: The largest private bank in Turkey, known for its retail and corporate banking services.
- Garanti BBVA: A private bank affiliated with the international financial group BBVA, offering innovative banking products.
- Akbank: A private bank known for its services for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as innovations in mobile banking.
- Yapı Kredi: One of the largest private banks, recognized for its innovations and wide range of services.
International Banks in Turkey
- HSBC Turkey: A major international bank providing retail and corporate banking services.
- Citibank Turkey: Specializes in services for international companies and corporate clients.
- Deutsche Bank Turkey: Focuses on investment banking and services for large corporate clients.
Rules for Opening a Bank Account for Foreigners
Residence Permit (RP) Foreigners with a residence permit in Turkey can open a bank account at any bank in the country. Required documents include:
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Tax identification number (can be obtained from the tax office)
- Document confirming the residential address (e.g., utility bill)
Work Visa Foreigners with a work visa can open a bank account in Turkey by providing:
- Passport
- Work visa
- Tax identification number
- Document confirming the residential address
Citizenship Foreigners who have obtained Turkish citizenship can open a bank account by providing:
- Turkish passport
- Citizen identification number
- Document confirming the residential address
Modern Payment Systems Turkey actively uses modern payment systems, including contactless payments. However, Apple Pay and Google Pay are not officially supported in Turkey at the moment. Instead, local banks offer their own solutions for contactless payments, such as:
- Garanti BBVA offers the Garanti Pay app.
- Yapı Kredi provides a mobile app for contactless payments.
- İş Bankası uses its mobile app for payments.
Qoople - Your Assistant in Opening a Bank Account Qoople provides assistance to foreigners in opening a bank account in Turkey, offering the following advantages:
- Time Reduction for Account Opening: Qoople handles all bureaucratic processes, significantly reducing the time needed to open an account.
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Conclusion Turkey's banking system offers a wide range of services for both locals and foreigners. Opening a bank account can be a complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with local rules and procedures. Qoople simplifies this process by providing professional assistance and favorable conditions.