Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Simsek, addressed ongoing efforts by the Revenue Administration (GIB) to combat the informal economy by requiring all businesses to accept card payments and use updated payment recording devices.

Speaking on the ministry’s efforts to bring more transparency to the economy, Simsek highlighted that new regulations mandate the use of modern payment recording devices that combine card payment functionality with receipt printing to ensure all transactions are properly recorded.

Simsek noted that some businesses continue to use outdated devices or refuse to accept card payments. As a response, the ministry has introduced a regulation requiring all businesses to adopt the new payment recording devices.

He emphasized that all businesses must offer the option for customers to pay via debit or credit card. “Businesses that fail to comply with these regulations will face special administrative penalties,” Simsek said, stressing the importance of businesses not passing card commission fees on to customers.

The minister stated that penalties for businesses that do not comply with the new rules start at 200,000 TRY. Simsek also warned banks and payment institutions that continue to provide outdated POS devices. If identified, these institutions will face fines, with the penalty increasing annually based on reevaluation rates.