Turkey rises to European leadership in number of credit cards
According to 2025 data, Turkey surpassed Spain to become Europe's largest market in terms of credit card numbers, with card payments contributing multi-dimensionally to the economy.
According to European Central Bank data, Turkey has become Europe's largest credit card market with an ecosystem of millions of cards. Reaching 24.1 trillion TL in 2025, card payments directly supported household consumption, tourism revenues, and tax collection.
Europe's Largest Market
Turkey stands out with its strong payment infrastructure of 142 million credit cards and a total of 319 million cards. According to European Central Bank data as of the end of June 2025, the country surpassed Spain to become the leading credit card market in Europe.
Contribution to Household Consumption
Digital payments strongly support household consumption through fast and alternative experiences. According to calculations, the impact of these payments on household consumption in 2025 was approximately 1.5 trillion TL.
Increase in Tourism Revenues
The widespread card payment infrastructure facilitates spending by foreign tourists and boosts tourism revenues. Digital payments provided 388 billion TL, or approximately 9.8 billion dollars, in support to tourism revenues in 2025.
The Cost of Cash Usage
The report also reveals the heavy costs that cash usage imposes on the economy. In 2025, banknote printing cost the Central Bank 4.4 billion TL, while the cost of cash circulation to banks exceeded 65 billion TL.
Support Provided to Tax Revenues
Digital payments ensure that sales are recorded, increasing transparency and strengthening tax collection. Total contributions made to VAT, SCT, Corporate, and Income Tax items reached 574 billion TL.
Sectoral Evaluations
Mastercard General Manager for Turkey and Azerbaijan, Onur Faydacı, stated that Turkey has achieved a world-exemplary transformation in digital payments over the last 30 years and that this system is a major driving force for development.