Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) has issued a detailed clarification regarding the new macroprudential measures announced on January 30, 2026, aiming to strengthen financial stability and protect consumers.

In a statement dated January 31, 2026, BDDK said the measures were introduced within the framework of Turkey’s action plan against illegal online betting, gambling, and games of chance, and were shaped following evaluations made by the Financial Stability Committee. The decisions were taken in coordination with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB).

Focus on Credit Card Limits

According to the regulator, the new rules on individual credit card limits are designed to ensure that spending remains proportional to income and that payment performance remains sustainable.

BDDK data for December 2025 shows that the total individual credit card limit in the banking sector stands at approximately 13.3 trillion TL. However, only 21 percent of this amount is actively used, while 79 percent remains unused.

Out of 40.7 million individual credit card users in Turkey, around 30.6 million—representing 75 percent—have card limits below 400,000 TL. BDDK emphasized that these users will not be affected by the new regulation. Nearly 90 percent of all cardholders have limits below 750,000 TL.

In contrast, users with credit card limits exceeding 750,000 TL account for 48 percent of the total credit card limit in the system, despite having an average usage rate of just 20 percent.

Measures to Prevent Consumer Harm

To avoid consumer grievances, BDDK stated that card limits will be adjusted by taking into account spending patterns over the past year. The highest monthly spending level will be used as a reference point when applying any reductions.

The authority also underlined that credit card users who officially verify their income can still obtain card limits of up to four times their documented earnings. Cardholders with a limit of 400,000 TL will not face any reduction.

Additional Regulations

The statement also covered new rules related to overdraft accounts (KMH). Credit limits granted for education-related expenses will be exempt from these restrictions.

Furthermore, regulations on restructuring individual credit card debt and consumer loans aim to protect financial consumers and prevent repeated restructuring practices that could undermine long-term financial discipline.

Lastly, changes to loan-to-value ratios in housing loans were introduced to support lower-income groups in purchasing their first home. Under the new framework, the distinction between first-hand and second-hand housing has been removed, with updated criteria applied as outlined in the regulation.

Ensuring Financial Stability

BDDK concluded that all measures were adopted using a holistic approach, following deliberations within the Financial Stability Committee, with the primary goal of safeguarding Turkey’s financial stability.