Credit card interest rates: CBRT maximum contractual and late-payment rates
Short answer
Per CBRT's October data, the monthly maximum contractual rate is 3.25 percent for debts under TL 30,000, 3.75 percent for TL 30,000–180,000 and 4.25 percent above TL 180,000. Late-payment rates are 3.55, 4.05 and 4.55 percent.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT) sets the monthly maximum interest rates for Turkish lira credit card purchases according to the size of the statement debt. Banks may set their own rates as long as they do not exceed these ceilings set by the CBRT.
Monthly maximum contractual interest rates
- Statement debt under TL 30,000: 3.25 percent
- Statement debt between TL 30,000 and TL 180,000: 3.75 percent
- Statement debt above TL 180,000: 4.25 percent
Monthly maximum late-payment interest rates
- Statement debt under TL 30,000: 3.55 percent
- Statement debt between TL 30,000 and TL 180,000: 4.05 percent
- Statement debt above TL 180,000: 4.55 percent
Minimum payment rate and limit threshold
- Decision: With BDDK decision no. 11581 dated 1 October 2026, the card limit threshold used to determine the minimum payment rate was raised from TL 50,000 to TL 100,000.
- Cards with a limit of TL 100,000 or less: 20 percent of the statement debt is paid as the minimum payment.
- Cards with a limit above TL 100,000: 40 percent of the statement debt is paid as the minimum payment.
Paying the minimum amount by the due date keeps the card from falling into delinquency. However, if the statement debt is not paid in full, contractual interest is calculated on the remaining amount; the minimum payment does not mean the remaining debt is deferred interest-free. Obligations such as BSMV and KKDF added to interest, as well as daily interest calculation, can increase the total cost.
If the minimum amount is not paid or a lower amount is paid, late-payment interest and restrictions under the relevant legislation may apply. Missed payments can negatively affect the credit history, and prolonged payment problems may lead to legal proceedings.
A debt restructuring option is available for consumers having difficulty paying their card debt. For credit card debts restructured under BDDK decisions, the monthly contractual interest rate cannot exceed the reference rate of 3.11 percent. Application conditions and instalment terms should be discussed with one's own bank.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between contractual and late-payment interest?
Contractual interest applies to the remaining amount when the statement debt is not paid in full. Late-payment interest applies when the minimum amount is not paid by the due date; its maximum rate is higher than the contractual rate in the same debt bracket.
Can banks charge more than these rates?
No. Banks may set their own rates as long as they do not exceed the ceilings set by the CBRT.
Does interest accrue if I pay only the minimum?
Yes. Paying the minimum keeps the card from becoming delinquent, but contractual interest is calculated on the unpaid remaining debt.
What is the interest cap on restructured card debt?
For credit card debts restructured under BDDK decisions, the monthly contractual rate cannot exceed the reference rate of 3.11 percent.
When and how did the minimum payment limit threshold change?
With BDDK decision no. 11581 dated 1 October 2026, the threshold was raised from TL 50,000 to TL 100,000.
Source: Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası
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