A critical deadline is approaching for banks regarding the regulation to align credit card limits with income. In accordance with the decision taken by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) in 2026, banks are planned to complete their efforts to align existing limits with the determined thresholds by January 1, 2027.
The regulation is of particular interest to holders of high-limit credit cards and those who use cards from multiple banks. In the new system, not only the card limit at a single bank but the total limit of all credit cards across all banks will be taken into account.
With the BRSA's decision dated January 29, 2026, a regulation was introduced requiring customers' income information to be used as the basis for new credit card applications and limit increases on existing cards. Accordingly, the goal is for the total credit card limit not to exceed twice the average monthly income in the first year, and four times the average monthly income in the second year and thereafter.
It is envisioned that income information will be verified through documents accepted by banks. As the date approaches, the re-evaluation of high-limit cards and the request for up-to-date income information from customers may come to the agenda.
RE-EVALUATION FOR HIGH-LIMIT CARDS
Within the scope of the regulation made at the beginning of 2026, provisions for limit reductions were also introduced for customers with a total credit card limit of over 400 thousand TL. While a reduction at certain rates was foreseen for cards with a total limit between 400 thousand TL and 750 thousand TL, a higher rate of decrease was decided for limits above 750 thousand TL.
The calculation method is also important for customers who have more than one credit card. If a person who has cards at different banks exceeds the determined limits in their total limit, banks will be able to make the assessment based on this total amount.
The income-linked limit system will also be applied to new credit card applications. While determining limits, banks will continue to evaluate the customer's credit score, existing debts, and payment history in addition to their income.
Changes were also made to the minimum payment amounts for credit cards with the BRSA decision dated October 1, 2026. The threshold, which was previously 50 thousand TL, was increased to 100 thousand TL. Accordingly, 20 percent of the period debt is applied as the minimum payment amount for cards with a limit of 100 thousand TL and below, and 40 percent for cards above 100 thousand TL.
News Source: 12punto
