When I first came to Turkey, I thought it was easy to get a credit card, but when I got into it, I realized that you need to fulfill certain conditions. Especially for foreign students, the process is a bit more detailed. Nevertheless, it is not impossible to apply for student credit cards. It is possible to benefit from this system when you apply to the right bank with the right document.
What are the General Conditions for Getting a Credit Card?
The following conditions are generally required to obtain a credit card in Turkey as a student:
- A valid residence permit in Turkey
- Passport and student certificate
- Regular income or guarantor
- Condition of being a bank customer
Some banks may offer special products to support international students. For detailed information, you can review our article Credit Card and Debit Card Options in Turkey.
Which Banks Give Credit Cards to Students?
If you are a university student in Turkey and want to control your spending a little more, student credit cards are for you. These cards usually have low limits, no annual fees and are tailored to the spending habits of young people. But if you are a foreign student, there are a few extra details you need to know: for example, some cards are only available to Turkish citizens, while others are open to foreign students but require certain documents.
In other words, you should choose a bank based on the cards you can actually apply for, not just on promotions. The following table and explanations will guide you in this regard.
Comparative Student Credit Card Table
| Bank | Card Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akbank | Axess Student | Shopping on installments, no fees, special for Turkish citizens |
| Garanti BBVA | Bonus Genç | Bonus up to USD 26 per month, no fees |
| Ziraat Bank | Bankkart Genç | Works with KYK scholarship, debit + credit card |
| İş Bank | Maximum Genç | Cash advance, MaxiPuan, virtual card |
| VakıfBank | Like Card | No fees, Worldpoints, shopping in installments |
| Yapı Kredi | Play Card | For ages 18-24, points earning feature |
| Enpara | Enpara Card | Digital card, no lifetime fees, no points |
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Details of the Cards
Axess Student (Akbank)
You can shop on installments and earn chip-money. But beware: This card is only available to Turkish citizens. If you are a foreign student, your application may not be accepted. Therefore, it is best to go to an Akbank branch in advance and get detailed information.
Bonus Genc (Garanti BBVA)
Probably one of the most preferred student credit cards. You can earn up to USD 26 bonus points for your monthly spending. It stands out by being fee-free and offering advantageous campaigns for internet shopping. The application process for foreign students is more flexible.
Bankkart Genc (Ziraat Bank)
It is a hybrid card developed for students whose scholarship or student loan is paid to Ziraat Bank. It has both debit and credit card features. The mobile app can be a bit complicated, especially for non-Turkish speaking students, but it is very common among public university students.
Maximum Genc (İşbank)
It offers advanced features such as cash advances, MaxiPoints and virtual cards. The biggest advantage is that there are İşbank ATMs in many parts of Turkey. To apply as a foreign student, it may be sufficient to show your student certificate and residence permit.
Play Card (Yapı Kredi)
Offered for students between the ages of 18-24. It earns points at World member merchants and can participate in many campaigns. Some branches also accept applications from foreign students.
Enpara Card (QNB Finansbank)
One of the most digital cards. You can apply without even going to a branch. But it’s the only one of the student credit cards that doesn’t offer a points or bonus program. Ideal for students who want to keep their spending simple and flat.
Advice for Foreign Students
- Complete your documents: Residence permit, passport, student certificate are a must.
- Do not try to apply online without going to the branch; some systems do not recognize the foreign ID number.
- You may think there is no card fee and then you may be charged.
- If you are looking for English support, Garanti and Isbank are generally better in this regard.
You can also take a look at Saving with Credit Card Points in Turkey to learn about detailed campaigns.
Financial Management Tactics for Students
Student credit cards make life easier, but they also require financial discipline. It’s easy to be tempted by the limit and blow the budget.
How to Manage Your Card Limit?
The first rule is: don’t use the full limit. Banks usually start with a low limit, but even this can leave you strapped at the end of the month. Plan your spending in proportion to your income. For example, if you receive a monthly stipend of USD 130, it would be ideal if your card spending does not exceed USD 50.
Attention to Dues and Delay Interest
Although student credit cards offered in Turkey are usually designed to be fee-free, this is not always the case. If you don’t pay your statement on time, interest will be charged. In Turkey, late payment interest is around 3%, which can be a serious burden in USD terms. By ordering an e-statement, you both prevent paper waste and avoid paying dues.
The Risk of Allowance Advance and Cash Advance
Ziraat Bank’s Advance Loan may seem attractive for students who receive KYK scholarships. But this is considered a loan. Likewise, the “cash advance” feature in all banks is attractive in the short term but expensive in the long term. You should always consider it as a last resort.
How to Plan a Monthly Budget?
Whether you are new to Turkey or have spent a few semesters there, budget planning is one of the most difficult issues for every student. Especially if you have one or more student credit cards, it becomes even more important to maintain control.
Average Expenses: Rent, Transportation and Food
Living in a big city like Istanbul can be expensive, but it’s possible to stay balanced with a good budget plan. When planning your budget, you should also take into account spending on student credit cards, as they can increase your total expenses without you even realizing it.
How To Budget When Spending With Card?
- Track expenses by category (e.g. food, transportation, entertainment)
- Set a weekly upper limit for card purchases (e.g. 50 USD)
- At the end of each month, do a “statement analysis”: Where have you gone too much, where have you saved money?
- Keep track of spending on student credit cards in a separate category so you can recognize debt accumulation early.
Common Financial Mistakes for Newcomers
You know what my biggest mistake was? When I got my first card, I thought “card limit = spendable money”. Then I had to deal with that debt for a couple of months. I’m leaving the list below so you don’t make these mistakes if you’re a newcomer.
Paying Only the Minimum Amount
The minimum monthly payment for student credit cards is usually around 20% of the total debt. This may seem low, but paying only this portion will cause the card debt to grow. The interest continues to accrue and within months the small debt becomes a big burden. Always try to pay off as much debt as possible.
Unnecessary Subscriptions and Automatic Payments
Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium… These are all small expenses that add up to significant amounts. What’s more, if you have an automatic payment order, you could lose $15-20 a month without even realizing it. Reviewing this type of regular spending with student credit cards is critical to controlling your budget.
Conscious Spending, Peaceful Studenthood
Gaining financial freedom while living in Turkey is entirely in your hands. Student credit cards, when used correctly, can help you manage your spending and set you free. But remember, every credit card is a debt instrument. If you act with a plan, the cards don’t rule you, you rule them.
Now is the time to choose the best student credit card for you and manage your budget wisely. Anyway, if you need help with this, the Road to Study team is always there for you.