Check Your Istanbulkart Balance and Apply Online Today

There are many physical and digital channels available for checking Istanbulkart balance and submitting applications. The card, developed by Belbim A.Ş. affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is preferred by around 18 million users and is offered in four different types.

Designed for everyday use from transportation to small purchases, Istanbulkart is widely used as a prepaid card. In addition to the card’s digital channels, you can also check your balance easily at ATMs anywhere in Turkey.

Checking Istanbulkart Balance

To check the remaining balance on your Istanbulkart, you can use both physical and online channels. With 18 million active users, there are three main methods to learn the current TL amount on your card.

Methods to check your card balance include:

The Istanbulkart mobile app for iOS and Android
Bank ATMs
The Alo 153 hotline

Istanbulkart Balance Inquiry Screen

To view your Istanbulkart balance online, use the Istanbulkart website. Sign in to the online branch where you can manage all card transactions. Follow these steps to see your current balance:

Go to https://bireysel.istanbulkart.istanbul/.
On the page that opens, enter your email address and password in the appropriate fields, complete the security code verification, then click the “Giriş” (Login) button.
Once signed in to the Istanbulkart Online Branch, open the balance viewing page to see your current TL amount.

Online Istanbulkart Balance Inquiry

Check Balance via Istanbulkart Mobile App

To check your Istanbulkart balance from the mobile app, install the official app on your smartphone. The app developed by Belbim is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store depending on your device’s operating system.

After installing the app, follow these steps to view your balance:

Open the Istanbulkart Mobile app.
Tap the “Bakiye Görüntüleme” (Balance View) section.
Enable the phone’s “NFC” feature.
Place your card near the back of your phone.
Wait a few seconds for the read process and view your current balance.

Check Balance at an ATM

You can use any bank’s ATM to check your Istanbulkart balance. Since the 2019 agreement between Belbim A.Ş. and BKM, Istanbulkart was integrated with TROY, allowing use at ATMs and POS devices across banks.

After this integration, you can check your Istanbulkart balance at any ATM. Insert your card into an ATM, enter your PIN if required, and you will immediately see the current balance.

Check Balance by Phone

To check your Istanbulkart balance by phone, call the Alo 153 line. From a landline or mobile phone, dial 153 and provide the requested card information to learn your current TL balance and receive live support for other transactions.

Istanbulkart Application Page

Istanbulkart applications can be made via authorized physical points and online channels. While there are four card types, discounted and free card applications are only available at physical locations.

How to apply for an Istanbulkart:

Anonymous Card applications are available at ticket machines and individual or corporate representation points across Istanbul.
Individual and Mavi (Blue) card applications can be completed online. Visit https://bireysel.istanbulkart.istanbul/, click the “Kayıt Ol” (Register) button, fill out the form, and pay the card and shipping fees to receive the card at your address.
Corporate Mavi card applications can be submitted online.
Discounted card applications can be made online or at physical centers. You will need ID, a photo, and a student certificate where applicable. Locations of physical centers are listed under “Başvuru Merkezleri” (Application Centers).
Teachers, citizens aged 60 and over, and those requesting a Free Card can apply online or at representation centers. Only ID and a photo are required.

How to Activate Istanbulkart

Activation of Istanbulkart can be completed through the online branch. To activate, register on the official site and provide the following information:

Turkish ID number
Full name
Date of birth
Email address
Mobile phone number
Address

2023 Istanbulkart Types and Prices

There are several Istanbulkart types available, and prices vary by card type.

2023 Istanbulkart fees are as follows:

Card Type	Initial	Revalidation	Renewal	Loss
Discounted (student, teacher, 60+)	60 TL	13 TL	60 TL	60 TL
Disabled & Companion, Security Services, Municipal Police, Press, Disabled Veteran, National Athlete, 65	60 TL	–	60 TL	60 TL
Free-2 (TÜİK, PTT)	105 TL	105 TL	105 TL	105 TL
Inspection Card	75 TL	–	75 TL	75 TL
Blue Card (Mavi Kart)	60 TL	–	60 TL	60 TL
Employee & Intern ID Card	60 TL	–	60 TL	60 TL
Standard Istanbulkart	50 TL	–	–	–
Free – Martyr Family, Veteran and Family, Disabled Veteran and Family	Free	Free	Free	Free

Ways to Load TL onto Istanbulkart

To load TL onto your Istanbulkart, you can use municipal physical points, digital channels, or your bank’s services. Cardholders can use any of the following channels to add funds:

Load balance at Istanbulkart individual and corporate representation offices.
Use Istanbulkart ticket machines to top up your card.
Load money through the Istanbulkart Mobile App.
Select your card in the Istanbulkart Online Branch to add TL.
Deposit funds at a bank ATM that supports card loading.
Use the “Online Transactions” menu on the Belbim website to transfer funds to your card.
Use your bank’s mobile or internet banking to load TL to your Istanbulkart.

How to Load TL via Internet Banking

Loading funds via internet banking requires a few steps. Log in to your bank’s mobile or internet branch, go to the “Payments” menu, and complete the load transaction. Note that banks set different limits, so ensure you comply with your bank’s allowed limits to complete the transfer in a few minutes.

How to Cancel an Istanbulkart

You do not need to return the physical card to cancel Istanbulkart. The card has no deposit; if it has no remaining balance, simply stop using it. If your card holds a balance, you must apply for cancellation and refund through Istanbulkart Application Centers. Submit a request with a copy of your ID and a document containing your IBAN; the balance refund will be processed in about five business days.

Refund deductions vary by amount. Balances under 100 TL incur a 2% deduction. For balances over 100 TL, a 2% deduction plus a 10 TL fee applies. When canceling your card, use the Istanbulkart balance inquiry steps above to follow the necessary refund procedures.

Istanbulkart Metrobüs Fare Rates 2023

For metrobüs rides in 2023, fares payable with Istanbulkart are listed below.

Istanbulkart

Full: 9.90 TL
Student: 4.83 TL
Social: 7.09 TL

Mavi Kart

Full: 777 TL
Student: 140 TL
Social: 483 TL

Transfer Fare

1st transfer — Full 7.09 TL, Student 2.12 TL, Social 4.25 TL
2nd transfer — Full 5.38 TL, Student 1.99 TL, Social 3.25 TL
3+ transfers — Full 3.40 TL, Student 1.70 TL, Social 1.70 TL

Electronic Tickets:

Single-ride ticket: 20.00 TL
Two-ride ticket: 30.00 TL
Three-ride ticket: 50.00 TL
Five-ride ticket: 60.00 TL
Ten-ride ticket: 110.00 TL

Metrobüs Fare Table 2023

1 stop — Full 7.09 TL, Student 3.12 TL, Social 4.38 TL
2 stops — Full 8.48 TL, Student 3.40 TL, Social 5.24 TL
3 stops — Full 9.90 TL, Student 3.96 TL, Social 6.07 TL
4–9 stops — Full 11.31 TL, Student 4.52 TL, Social 7.09 TL
10–15 stops — Full 12.43 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 7.19 TL
16–21 stops — Full 13.00 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 7.64 TL
22–27 stops — Full 13.43 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 7.64 TL
28–33 stops — Full 13.72 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 8.06 TL
34+ stops — Full 14.69 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 8.06 TL

Marmaray Fare Rates 2023

Marmaray fares for 2023 are listed below:

1–7 stations — Full 9.90 TL, Student 4.83 TL, Social 7.09 TL
8–14 stations — Full 12.73 TL, Student 5.95 TL, Social 8.78 TL
15–21 stations — Full 14.69 TL, Student 7.09 TL, Social 10.32 TL
22–28 stations — Full 16.95 TL, Student 8.06 TL, Social 12.02 TL
29–35 stations — Full 19.79 TL, Student 9.48 TL, Social 14.14 TL
36–43 stations — Full 21.91 TL, Student 9.90 TL, Social 15.27 TL