Ziraat Bank BES cancellation and refund process can be completed by customers who wish to leave retirement plans either online or at a branch. As of 2025, the system is divided into automatic enrollment BES and voluntary BES. There are minor differences in the cancellation and refund procedures between these two systems.
Below we explain the full step-by-step process for both automatic BES cancellation and refund with clear tables and examples.
Ziraat Bank BES: What is it?
Ziraat Bank Individual Pension System (BES) is an investment program that helps people save regularly during their working life to provide additional income in retirement.
The system provides extra benefit through the State Contribution. Participants receive state support equal to 30% of their contributions. However, some participants may choose to leave the system for various reasons.
Reasons for Cancelling BES
BES cancellation can happen for personal preference, financial reasons, or dissatisfaction with the system. The most common reasons are listed below:
| Neden | Açıklama |
|---|---|
| Income insufficiency | Inability to pay contribution installments |
| Dissatisfaction with the system | Returns not meeting expectations |
| Short-term investment preference | Need to use the money in the short term |
| Wanting to exit mandatory BES | Cancellation of automatic enrollment upon starting a job |
| Alternative investment preference | Shifting to different financial instruments |
Ways to Cancel Ziraat Bank BES
In 2025 Ziraat Bank offers three main methods to cancel BES:
- Cancellation via e-Government (e-Devlet)
- Cancellation through Ziraat Mobile Banking
- Cancellation at a branch
Each method has its advantages and different processing times.
Cancel BES via e-Government
e-Government is the easiest and fastest way to cancel. Citizens log in with their national ID and password to complete the procedure.
Steps:
- Log in to the e-Government portal.
- Search for “Automatic Enrollment BES Cancellation”.
- Select Ziraat Emeklilik.
- View participant information.
- Choose the “Withdraw from contract” section and confirm.
This request reaches the company immediately and the refund is typically processed within 7–10 business days.
Cancel BES via Mobile Banking
The BES cancellation can also be made through the Ziraat Mobile app, which is convenient for frequent mobile banking users.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Ziraat Mobile app and log in. |
| 2 | Select the “Individual Pension” menu. |
| 3 | Click on “Contract Details”. |
| 4 | Choose “Cancel BES”. |
| 5 | Confirm to complete the process. |
Refunds for cancellations made this way are generally credited to your account within 10 business days.
Cancel BES at a Branch
If you prefer to cancel at a Ziraat Bank branch, visit the branch with your ID. A customer representative will fill out the cancellation form and obtain the necessary approvals.
This method often involves a deduction of a certain amount. In some cases, withholding tax may be applied to fund gains.
BES Refund Process
Ziraat Bank BES refunds are usually completed within 7 to 10 business days after the cancellation. The exact timing depends on the liquidation of funds and the refund channel.
The table below shows average refund times applicable in 2025:
| Cancellation Method | Average Refund Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| e-Government | 7 business days | Quick approval in digital environment |
| Mobile Banking | 8 business days | Includes fund liquidation time |
| Branch | 10 business days | Document checks extend processing time |
Are There Deductions When Cancelling BES?
Yes. Some deductions may be applied during BES cancellation. The amount depends on the duration of the participant’s contract.
| Duration | Type of Deduction | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 years | Entry fee and management expenses | 5% – 15% |
| 3–5 years | Management expenses | 2% – 5% |
| 6 years and over | Usually no deduction | 0% |
Difference Between Automatic Enrollment BES and Voluntary BES
| Feature | Automatic Enrollment BES | Voluntary BES |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | Through the employer | Individual application |
| Right to cancel | Within 2 months | Any time |
| State Contribution | 30% | 30% |
| Fund Management | Automatic | Participant chooses |
This difference also affects the cancellation process: automatic enrollment includes a 2-month withdrawal period, while voluntary BES can be cancelled at any time.
How BES Refund Amount Is Calculated
When processing a BES refund, the refunded amount is calculated by considering the total contributions paid, fund returns, deductions, and tax rate.
| Item | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution | Total amount you paid | Principal |
| Fund Return | Investment gains | Positive |
| Management Fee | Contract-related charges | Negative |
| Withholding Tax | State tax on gains | Negative |
Which Account Receives the BES Refund?
Ziraat Bank typically transfers the refund to the participant’s registered demand deposit account. If the cancellation was made using a different bank account, the refund process may take longer.
It is important that your identity and bank information in the relevant systems are up to date. Ziraat Emeklilik checks these details automatically.
What Is the Right of Withdrawal (Cayma Hakkı) in Ziraat BES?
Employees enrolled in the automatic BES can exercise their right of withdrawal within the first two months. Cancellations made within this period are free of deductions and the full paid amount is refunded.
| Situation | Deduction | Refund Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation within 2 months | None | 7 business days |
| Cancellation after 2 months | Applies | 10 business days |
What Happens to the State Contribution After Cancelling BES?
If you exit the system before 3 years, you lose the right to the State Contribution.
State contribution entitlement by time in system:
| Period in System | Right to State Contribution |
|---|---|
| 0 – 3 years | 0% |
| 3 – 6 years | 15% |
| 6 – 10 years | 35% |
| 10 years and retirement | 100% |
Rejoining BES After Cancellation
Individuals who leave Ziraat Bank’s BES can apply to rejoin later. In that case a new contract is created and previous fund returns are not transferred.
Important Notes After Cancelling Ziraat BES
- If the refund is not received within 10 days after cancellation, contact customer service.
- If your account number has changed, automatic transfer may not work.
- State Contribution and fund returns may be lost after cancellation.
- Branch cancellations require all documents to be completed correctly.
Documents Required for BES Cancellation
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| ID Copy | Mandatory |
| Cancellation Request Form | Provided by the branch |
| Bank Account Details | Required for refund |
| Contract Number | Requested to verify the transaction |
What to Do If Ziraat BES Refund Is Delayed?
If more than 15 business days have passed since cancellation and the refund has not been received:
- Call Ziraat Emeklilik customer service.
- Open a “BES refund status” inquiry.
- If necessary, visit the bank branch and present your transaction record.
Requests can also be tracked via available inquiry screens in the system.
Tax Situation on BES Cancellation
As of 2025 the withholding tax rate is 5%. This tax applies only to the gain portion of the refund.
Example:
- Total contributions: 10,000 TL
- Fund return: 1,000 TL
- Withholding tax: 50 TL (applied only to the gain)
Alternative Systems After Cancelling Ziraat BES
Some people choose different savings options after leaving BES. Alternatives may include public support programs or various banking products. For small business owners, certain grants and supports can be considered as an alternative to BES.
What Happens to Fund Returns When Cancelling BES?
BES funds invest in stocks, bonds, and government debt instruments. When cancelling, funds are liquidated and returns depend on market conditions at that moment. Therefore, timing can affect the final amount.
2025 BES Regulatory Updates
- The state contribution rate is fixed at 30%.
- The e-Government cancellation screen has been simplified.
- BES funds now include “green investment” themed options.
- Participants can change fund allocation via mobile applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Ziraat BES cancellation take?
It usually completes within 7 to 10 business days.
2. How long is the withdrawal right?
For automatic enrollment, the withdrawal right is available within 2 months.
3. To which account is the refund sent?
The refund is sent to your registered demand deposit account at Ziraat.
4. What happens to the state contribution?
If you leave before 3 years, you forfeit the state contribution.
5. Can cancellation be done via the mobile app?
Yes, cancellation can be made instantly via the Ziraat Mobile application.