Turkey’s Ministry of Trade Takes Over Tech Product Installment Rules

Ender Öztürk

October 15, 2026

A significant shift in retail installment regulations has recently occurred in Turkey, impacting how consumers purchase goods with credit cards and other payment methods. Effective immediately, the authority to determine installment numbers and maturities, previously held by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK), has been transferred to the Ministry of Trade. This pivotal change, published in the Official Gazette, is expected to usher in a new era for tech product installment rules, particularly for consumer electronics such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, which have long faced stringent restrictions.

Hand-Payment and Promissory Note Sales Will Also Be Regulated

The regulatory change extends beyond traditional credit card installment payments. The Ministry of Trade now holds the power to directly impose rules on alternative payment models prevalent in the retail sector, such as hand-payment installments and sales made against promissory notes. This expanded oversight aims to bring unregistered deferred transactions and uncontrolled promissory note practices, which often place consumers in difficult situations, under a single regulatory authority. This move is anticipated to foster greater transparency and consumer protection across various retail segments.

While the Ministry has not yet made any immediate updates to the installment limits, the new mandate allows for sector-specific analyses. Based on these assessments, the Ministry can directly implement decisions to increase or restrict maturities for particular product groups. Any new decisions will come into effect as soon as they are announced on the official website of the Ministry of Trade, replacing previous BDDK board resolutions.

Technology Sector Awaits Updates to Installment Limits

For an extended period, the strict installment limits applied to technology purchases have significantly influenced consumer buying habits. Currently, there is no credit card installment option available for new mobile phones, compelling consumers to primarily rely on shopping loans. It is widely anticipated that one of the first areas the Ministry will address will be these outdated thresholds, which have become increasingly irrelevant given rising exchange rates and device prices.

The current landscape for technology product financing reveals several constraints:

• New Mobile Phones: No credit card installments are allowed. For shopping loans, purchases up to 40,000 TL are capped at 12 months, while those exceeding 40,000 TL are limited to 3 months.
• Refurbished Phones: Consumers can benefit from 12-month credit card installments. Shopping loans for refurbished phones up to 50,000 TL offer 12 months, and over 50,000 TL provide 3 months.
• Televisions: Credit card installments are 9 months for TVs under 5,000 TL and 4 months for those 5,000 TL and above. Shopping loans are available for up to 36 months.
• Tablets: Both credit card and shopping loan installments are set at a maximum of 6 months.
• Computers: Both credit card and shopping loan installments are capped at 12 months.
• Other Electronic Goods (e.g., Sound Systems, Cameras): Credit card installments are 4 months, while shopping loans extend up to 36 months.
• White Goods & Electrical Home Appliances: Credit card installments are 9 months, with shopping loans going up to 36 months.

Outdated Thresholds are Expected to Be Revised by the Ministry

The direct authority granted to the Ministry of Trade enables a more agile response to market demands. Notably, the existing 40,000 TL loan threshold for mobile phones and the 5,000 TL credit card threshold for televisions are considerably out of sync with current market conditions. It is highly probable that the Ministry will engage with sector representatives in the coming days to not only reconsider credit card installment options for technology products but also to adjust existing loan maturity limits to reflect contemporary pricing structures. These anticipated revisions could provide significant relief to consumers and stimulate activity in the technology retail sector.

What are your thoughts on these new installment regulations for technology products? Do you believe the Ministry of Trade’s increased authority will lead to more favorable purchasing conditions for consumers? Share your opinions in the comments below!