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Türkiye’s banking sector recorded unprecedented profits in the first half of 2025, largely driven by fees, commissions, and insurance revenues rather than traditional interest income.
The country’s four largest banks earned approximately ₺65.1, ₺64.2, ₺51.2, and ₺59.8 billion ($1.44 billion) from these sources.
For comparison, net interest income for these banks ranged between ₺59.1 and ₺63.2 billion, showing that fee-based revenues have overtaken interest as the primary profit driver. Common charges include EFT/wire transfer fees, credit allocation fees, early repayment penalties, and annual credit card fees.
Commercial banking also generates high fees from guarantees, letters of credit, and check/bill operations.
Insurance-related revenues have also surged, especially for compulsory insurance tied to housing, personal, and vehicle loans. Some banks’ insurance commissions now approach their total interest income.
Experts warn that banks are increasingly relying on consumer charges to offset shrinking interest margins, moving away from their traditional role of mobilizing savings and allocating credit to the economy.
Reports suggest some banks even solicit ideas from employees on generating new fee and commission streams to further increase revenue.
The ten largest Turkish banks saw a 40% year-on-year increase in total assets, reaching ₺32.5 trillion. Their combined profit in the first half of 2025 was ₺305 billion.
Consumer associations highlight that fees and charges—from EFT/wire transfers to mandatory insurance—pose a serious financial burden, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Many charges are automatically applied without consumer consent.
Business representatives, including MÜSİAD, have raised concerns over high commissions and fees, suggesting a 50% reduction, as these costs negatively affect multiple sectors, including investment.
ATM malfunctions remain a problem, especially during pension payouts and month-start periods.
Technical shortcomings and inadequate planning by banks leave citizens, particularly retirees, struggling with access to cash.
Consumer groups call for transparency, fairness, and reasonable fee levels. They demand that banks not rely primarily on minor charges collected from citizens and that commissions and insurance not be applied without consumer consent.
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