The requirement for payments over 7,000 lira to be made through banks has become mandatory. Some businesses have turned the upper limit for cash payments into an opportunity, starting to overcharge the public. Consumer associations have stated that demanding additional commissions for card payments is prohibited. Using a bank or intermediary institution for purchases over 7,000 lira has become obligatory. If cash payment is detected, both the buyer and the seller will face penalties. For installment transactions, if the total price is over 7,000 lira, the installments must also be made through a bank. Setting limits on cash payments did not sit well with opportunists. Some businesses have started to reflect the obligation of using a card or bank for purchases over 7,000 lira onto the public. According to Turkey Gazette’s report, businesses aiming to steer consumers towards cash payments have increased credit card commission rates to up to 20% for payments under 7,000 lira. In Istanbul, a carpet cleaning company asked for 3,200 lira for cash payment, but stated that the same service would cost 3,860 lira if paid with a credit card. In another example, an eyeglass company requested 64,000 lira for glasses that cost 52,000 lira in cash. An auto mechanic raised the service fee from 4,500 lira to 6,000 lira if paid with a credit card. The grievances were voiced on social media, complaint websites, and through the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER). It was noted that some shops resorted to the lie that their POS terminal was malfunctioning. Consumer associations declared that charging additional commissions for purchases made with a credit card is prohibited and that there are penalties for such actions.
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