Why Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Istanbul is very helpful for students. You can pay tuition, rent, and bills in Turkish lira. You can receive money from family by IBAN. You can use mobile banking, card payments, and online shopping. It is safer than carrying cash. Many scholarships and dorms also ask for a Turkish bank account.
Who Can Open an Account
International students with a passport and legal stay in Türkiye can open an account. Some banks allow accounts without a residence permit, but many branches ask for a local address and student proof. Rules can change by bank and by branch.
Documents You May Need
- Passport
- Turkish tax number
- Residence permit card or application paper
- Proof of address in Türkiye, such as dorm letter, rental contract, or utility bill
- Student certificate or student ID from your university
- Turkish mobile number for SMS codes
- Small first deposit (some banks ask)
Steps to Open an Account
1. Get a Turkish tax number from the tax office using your passport.
2. Register your address in Türkiye and keep proof.
3. Collect your student certificate from the university.
4. Go to the bank branch with all documents.
5. Ask for a student account in Turkish lira.
6. Give your Turkish phone number for SMS.
7. Receive your IBAN and debit card (same day or a few days later).
8. Download the bank app and activate mobile banking.
Top 5 Banks for Students in Istanbul
1. Ziraat Bankası – very large network and many ATMs.
2. Türkiye İş Bankası – strong digital banking and many branches.
3. Garanti BBVA – good mobile app and English support.
4. Akbank – strong online banking and cards.
5. Yapı Kredi – good for daily banking and cards.
Fees and Tips
- Use your own bank’s ATM to avoid fees.
- Other banks’ ATMs may charge a fee.
- Keep your Turkish SIM active for SMS codes.
- Update the bank if you change address or phone.
- Keep copies of your passport and residence permit.
- If one branch refuses, try another branch of the same bank.
ATMs in Istanbul
Türkiye has around 54,000 ATMs. Istanbul has the largest share. You will find ATMs in shopping streets, metro stations, bus stops, and campuses.
