Coming into effect in 12 days: How to increase your credit card limit? There is only one way!

Credit card users will face significant changes throughout February in line with the decision taken by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) at the end of January.

Following the 15-day period granted to banks, credit card limits will be reorganized as of February 15. In particular, the fact that changes will be made by looking at the total limits of cards across different banks will directly affect multi-card users.

Expenditures made throughout 2025 will be taken as the basis for determining credit card limits. Banks will be able to reduce limits that are high and underutilized by evaluating individuals' spending throughout the year. According to the new regulation, the BDDK will take into account the total limit of all credit cards an individual holds across different banks.

The rule that is most emphasized is the 400 thousand TL total card limit threshold. There will be no reduction in the limits of users whose total limit for credit cards held from one or more banks is 400 thousand TL or less.

However, for those with a total limit exceeding 400 thousand TL, a reduction process will be applied to their credit card limits by February 15.

For example, a person with a total limit of 450 thousand TL who spent 200 thousand TL throughout the year may have their credit card limit reduced to 325 thousand TL, taking into account the unused portion. Similarly, the limit of a cardholder with a total limit of 600 thousand TL who spent 400 thousand TL during the year could be pulled down to 500 thousand TL.

After February 15, individuals whose total card limit falls below 400 thousand TL will be able to request a limit increase back up to 400 thousand TL without showing any proof of income. However, for those who want an increase above this amount, it will be mandatory to submit proof of income. Banks will evaluate the current card limits of each customer across all banks together when considering limit increase requests.

On the other hand, important rules are also coming into effect for new credit card applications starting from the beginning of 2026. The credit card limit a person can receive for the first year will be at most twice their net salary. After the second year, it can be increased to a maximum of four times.

By the beginning of 2027, the BDDK will make it mandatory for the limits of all existing credit card holders to be brought into line with the users' net income. Banks will evaluate individuals' monthly net earnings, credit scores, existing debts, and payment habits in detail during the credit limit determination processes.

With the regulations adopted, high and unused credit card limits are being reduced, while limits up to a total of 400 thousand TL are being protected. Those whose card limits are reduced will have the right to increase them again under the determined conditions. For those who want to obtain a new card, the income threshold is becoming a more decisive factor.

It is recommended that cardholders carefully follow the official notifications that will come from their banks after February 15. With the regulation, users are expected to adapt to potential changes in their card limits in a timely manner.