Turkey’s Card Payments Hit a New High: Total Spending Surpasses 2 Trillion Lira in July
In July 2025, Turkey reached a significant milestone in its financial sector as card payments surpassed 2 trillion lira for the first time. The total amount spent using credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards hit a staggering 2.16 trillion lira, marking a remarkable 52% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in card payments highlights a clear shift toward cashless transactions and a growing reliance on digital payment methods for everyday purchases.
The number of cards in circulation has also seen substantial growth. By July, the total number of credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards combined reached 456.7 million, an increase of 11% compared to last year. Credit card usage alone saw a 9% rise, debit cards grew by 13%, and prepaid cards saw an 8% increase. This indicates a strong trend of consumers moving away from traditional payment methods in favor of digital options.
When looking at how payments were distributed, credit cards accounted for the lion’s share, with 1.84 trillion lira of the total amount spent. Debit cards followed with 306 billion lira, while prepaid cards represented just 12.8 billion lira in payments. The year-over-year growth for credit card payments was 54%, while debit card transactions saw a 59% increase. However, prepaid card usage declined by 53%, signaling that consumers are increasingly relying on credit and debit cards rather than prepaid options.
Another key trend was the sharp increase in online card payments. E-commerce transactions grew by 61%, reaching 678.4 billion lira in July. Online payments now account for 31% of total card payments, with 233 million online transactions recorded, reflecting a growing preference for shopping on digital platforms. This shift toward online shopping is expected to continue as more consumers embrace the convenience of online and digital payments.
The growth of contactless payments also stands out, with a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Contactless transactions reached 1.22 billion in total, valued at 704 billion lira. In-store payments made using contactless cards now represent 80% of all card transactions, further highlighting the growing demand for fast and convenient payment methods.
Overall, the trends observed in July 2025 indicate a clear transformation in Turkey’s financial landscape. With a steady rise in the use of credit and debit cards, coupled with the increasing popularity of online and contactless payments, Turkey is firmly moving toward a cashless future. These shifts reflect both consumer demand and the continued advancement of payment technologies, shaping the future of how transactions are made in the country.
