A non-resident foreigner who had banked with İş Bank for 5+ years had all digital access cut off without warning. The bank required an in-person visit to a branch in Istanbul to update KYC, but the person was abroad with a broken leg and unable to travel. The bank refused to do a video call or any remote verification. Multiple calls and emails went unanswered or were met with scripted responses. The person had to sell belongings to pay medical bills.

A user described their partner's experience with İş Bank: the bank requires foreign customers to periodically update their info in person. Notifications are sent 45 days in advance, but when flights were repeatedly cancelled due to Middle East conflict, the bank still blocked the account. The block lifted after an in-person branch visit with updated documents.

A foreigner visiting Turkey reported Ziraat Bank ATMs now charging a commission/withdrawal fee on foreign cards, where previously there was none. Another user confirmed the same issue with Halkbank also starting to charge. However, another user reported successful no-fee withdrawal from Ziraat by declining the conversion fee through 'other options'. Halkbank and PTT Bank were reported as still free by some users.

An incoming international student asked for banking advice. A local recommended opening a government bank account (Ziraat, Vakıfbank, or PTT) for daily expenses, noting their services and apps are 'horrible' but functional. The key advice was to never save money in Turkish lira due to inflation and to use Wise for international transfers.

A foreigner recommended PTT Bank ATMs as still fee-free for foreign card withdrawals, confirmed by another user as working with Revolut without charges.

A foreign visitor reported Halkbank ATMs now charging foreign card fees, confirming Ziraat's policy change. However, another user withdrew from Halkbank on the same day with no fee by declining DCC. A third user reported via Revolut, Halkbank and PTT remain free.

A foreigner expat with salary deposit opened an account at Yapı Kredi and was very impressed with their mobile banking app. They noted that for a basic account or debit card, foreigners are fine at most banks.

A Turkish citizen living overseas with a kimlik tried to open accounts at Akbank and Halkbank but could not receive SMS verification codes on their foreign phone number. Enpara (Garanti BBVA's digital bank) was recommended as a solution for remote-only banking.

A relocation specialist working with non-resident foreigners in Turkey recommended Kuveyt Türk as the best bank for non-resident foreigners, while advising to avoid İş Bankası, Akbank, Yapı Kredi, and Denizbank entirely.

A user recommended Garanti BBVA for having excellent English-speaking support teams, and suggested pairing it with QNB (Qatar Bank) and Enpara for a multi-bank setup.

A foreigner residing in Turkey with a work permit, a brand-new car, and all documentation was denied opening a personal account or getting a credit card at three private banks (QNB Finansbank, Yapı Kredi, Garanti) on the same day. Another user noted that even Turkish citizens need a salary payment relationship or collateral deposit to get a credit card.

A commenter noted that Turkish banks are very hesitant to give credit cards to foreigners. HSBC Premier is 'probably your best bet' but requires a hefty minimum balance. For a standard debit account, any bank works.

A foreigner with only a temporary ikamet and no permanent address was able to open a bank account at Türkiye Finans. They received a debit card and a secured credit card with a 5,000 TL limit in a small Black Sea coast city. An English-speaking clerk assisted with the process.