Bank Account Outside Iran 🌍💳

Having an international bank account is very important for Iranians, as due to sanctions, Iranian bank accounts are not connected to any global financial systems. This creates significant problems for those who travel abroad frequently or work as freelancers with foreign websites and need to receive or make payments. Therefore, having foreign bank accounts and international payment cards becomes essential.

One of the main destinations for Iranians is Turkey, where accounts can be opened at three major banks: İş Bank, Ziraat Bank, and Vakıf Bank, allowing users to utilize their credit or debit cards.

Types of Accounts and Conditions in Turkey 🏦

In Turkey, you can open current accounts, savings accounts, and foreign currency accounts. As of 2024, savings accounts can earn between 40% to 50% annual interest.

You can also obtain Visa or MasterCard bank cards, available in two types:

  • Debit Card: Linked to your current account and used for standard financial transactions.

  • Credit Card: Allows you to use funds on credit, with repayment terms set by the issuing bank.

Visa and MasterCard are two of the world’s largest financial networks, one American and the other European, and there is no significant difference between them. With either of these cards, you can make purchases and payments almost anywhere in the world.

Note: When you open a current account, you will receive a debit card, which is suitable for your daily international payment needs.

Conditions for Receiving a Credit Card in Turkish Banks 💳

  • Ziraat Bank & Vakıf Bank: To obtain a credit card, you must deposit a collateral equal to the credit limit you are requesting. This deposit is withdrawable, but it must be returned to the account every month; otherwise, penalties apply.

  • İş Bank: Offers credit cards without requiring a deposit, and your credit limit is determined based on your account activity and usage history.

Note that to get a credit card from İş Bank, you need to have residency in Turkey and a high volume of account activity.

Conditions for Opening a Bank Account in Turkey 🇹🇷

If you do not have Turkish residency, you only need the following to open a bank account:

  1. A valid passport

  2. A tax number (Vergi Numarası), which can be obtained by providing a valid residential address in Turkey to the Tax Office.

Once you obtain the tax number, you can go to the bank and open an account.

If you do have Turkish residency, and your address is registered on your residency card, you can open a bank account simply by presenting your residence permit card. If your address is not registered, a tax number will still suffice.

Bank-Specific Requirements 📝

  • İş Bank: Requires residency in Turkey and a registered address.

  • Vakıf Bank: Similar to Ziraat Bank, but also requires a utility bill in your name. Note that rules may vary by branch.

Using Ziraat Bank ATMs 🏧

Ziraat Bank ATMs are only available in Turkish. Here’s how to use them:

  1. Insert your card and enter your PIN code.

  2. Two frequently used options are:

    • Para Yatırma: Deposit money

    • Para Çekme: Withdraw money

Remember these two phrases for smooth ATM transactions.

How to Use Ziraat Bank’s Internet Banking App 📱

The Ziraat Bank mobile banking app allows you to change the language to English. If you do not know Turkish, click on the “EN” icon at the top-right corner before logging in to switch the language.

After activating the app on your phone, enter your six-digit password to access your account.

Key Sections of the App:

  • The main page shows your current account, account number, and IBAN (the equivalent of Iran’s Sheba number).

  • To transfer money, go to:

    • Para Transferi / Money Transfer and enter the recipient’s IBAN and name.

  • To view transaction history:

    • Hesap Hareketleri / Account Activity

Opening a New Foreign Currency Account:

If you do not already have a foreign currency account:

  1. Go to Menu, then Hesaplarım / My Accounts

  2. Choose Yeni Hesap Aç / Draw a New Account

  3. Select Vadesiz Account / Drawing Account

  4. Choose your desired currency (EUR, GBP, USD) and create the new account.

Currency Exchange in Ziraat Bank:

To exchange between Turkish Lira and foreign currencies, go to:

  • Exchange / Döviz
    Use this section to buy or sell foreign currency from within your account.

Managing Your Credit Card 💰

To check your credit card status:

  1. Go to Kartlarım / My Cards

  2. Then Kredi Kartlarım / My Credit Cards

  3. Select the desired card to view its debt, payments, and transaction history.

You can also:

  • Request cash withdrawal from your credit account into your current account (without interest).

  • Request a credit limit increase, though this is usually only approved after extensive card usage.

Paying Bills via Ziraat Internet Banking 🔌

To pay your bills:

  1. Go to Payments / Ödemeler

  2. Then Fatura Ödeme / Bill Payments

  3. Select the type of bill (e.g., Electricity = Elektrik)

  4. Choose the service provider from the menu.

  5. Enter the bill number found on your paper bill and proceed with the payment.