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If you plan to live, work, or invest in Turkey, you will inevitably cross paths with Ziraat Bank. It is not just the oldest bank in the country; it is the financial backbone of the Turkish state. For expats and foreign investors, Ziraat represents stability andcruciallyaccessibility, with the most extensive network of branches and ATMs in the nation.
While private banks might offer flashier marketing, Ziraat is often the go-to for paying government fees, taxes, and handling serious volume. Whether you are looking into starting a company in Turkey or just need a reliable place to park your lira, understanding how to navigate this giant is essential.
The History: More Than Just a Bank
Origins in Solidarity (1863)
The story of Ziraat begins long before the modern Republic of Turkey. In 1863, Midhat Pasha, a visionary governor in the Ottoman Empire, founded the “Homeland Funds” (Memleket Sandıkları) in the town of Pirot. His goal was practical and noble: to protect farmers from predatory lenders by creating a cooperative system based on mutual aid.
This initiative laid the groundwork for what would officially become Ziraat Bank (Agricultural Bank), an institution deeply woven into the fabric of Turkish society.
A Pillar Through Crisis
Throughout the turmoil of World War I and the Great Depression of 1929, Ziraat stood firm. A special 1916 law mandated the bank to supply seed and equipment to farmers on credit, ensuring the nation’s food security during its darkest hours. This legacy continues today; Ziraat remains the primary engine for agricultural financing in Turkey.
Ziraat Bank by the Numbers (2025/2026 Outlook)
Forget the historical dust; today’s Ziraat is a financial titan. As of late 2025, it remains one of the largest companies in Turkey by asset size. Here is the snapshot for investors:
- Total Assets: Surged to over 7.9 Trillion TL (Q3 2025 data).
- Network Density: ~1,753 domestic branches and over 7,750 ATMs. You are rarely more than a few blocks from a Ziraat access point.
- Global Reach: Operations in 19 countries, including a significant presence in Germany and the Balkans.
Essential Data for Expats: SWIFT & Routing
If you are transferring money from abroadperhaps to fund a property purchase or send savings homeyou need precise routing information. Errors here can delay funds for weeks.
The Golden Codes
SWIFT / BIC Code (Head Office):
Use this for general international transfers to Ziraat accounts.
TCZBTR2A
CHIPS UID (For US Transfers):
If you are sending USD from the United States, many banks will ask for this specific UID to route through the clearing house.
409993
Practitioner Tip: Always double check if your specific branch has a unique SWIFT code, though the Head Office code generally works for routing to any personal account if the IBAN is correct.
Services You Will Actually Use
Beyond standard checking accounts, Ziraat is particularly useful for foreigners for several specific reasons:
- Tax & Government Payments: Ziraat systems are directly integrated with the Turkish Revenue Administration. If you are buying a car in Turkey, you will likely pay your vehicle taxes (MTV) here.
- Agricultural Loans: Still the best rates for farming initiatives if you are investing in land.
- Gold Accounts: Turks love gold as an inflation hedge. Ziraat allows you to hold physical gold value in a digital account, liquidatable 24/7.
- Western Union: Integrated directly into their mobile app, making it easy to receive funds without visiting a branch.
- Safe Deposit Boxes: Widely available at larger branches for securing documents and valuables.
Mobile Banking (Yes, it’s in English)
The biggest barrier for expats is often language. Fortunately, the Ziraat Mobil app has a robust English interface. You can handle 90% of your daily needstransfers, bill payments, and currency exchangewithout ever speaking to a teller.
Important Note on Timing: While the app works 24/7, physical branches follow strict hours and observe all national breaks. Check the Turkey Public Holidays 2026 calendar before planning a branch visit, especially around Eid.
Download Links:
Online Banking Access
For those who prefer a desktop experience, the internet branch offers higher transaction limits than the mobile app. It is secure, supports two factor authentication, and also offers an English language option.
To log in securely, always ensure you are on the official domain: Ziraat Personal Internet Banking.
