The number of people being followed increased 10-fold during the lightning period

The rising cost of living and the decline in purchasing power in Türkiye are driving citizens to turn to credit cards; many struggling to meet their basic needs are adding to their debt as they try to cover their expenses with credit cards or consumer loans.

This negative picture worsened after Mehmet Şimşek was appointed Minister of Finance and Treasury.

According to a statement by the Banks Association of Turkey (TBB), the number of people who were referred to legal proceedings due to individual credit card debt was 162,617 in May 2025, while the number of people referred to legal proceedings due to individual loan debt was 171,123 in the same period.

INCREASED FROM 9 MILLION TO 95 MILLION

According to data from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), non-performing credit card debt has risen to 94,987,000 lira. This figure was only 9,592,000 lira two years ago.

Debt is being added to debt

According to the news in Now News, credit card debts that fall under legal pursuit due to non-payment have increased tenfold in the last two years.

As living conditions worsen, especially in major cities like Istanbul, minimum wage earners earning below the poverty line are resorting to loans due to rising rents and basic food prices. However, as their income stagnates, their debt continues to grow.

NEW REGULATION FROM BRSA

Meanwhile, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) has introduced new regulations regarding the restructuring of credit card and consumer loan debts. This regulation broadens the scope and requirements of the debt restructuring process.

The decision allows for the restructuring of individual credit card and consumer loan debts for up to 48 months. Individual customers wishing to benefit from the restructuring must apply within three months.