Payments for purchases via the Faster Payments System (SBP), which became one of the most convenient payment methods for Russian tourists in Turkey this spring, have started to experience disruptions. Users report cases where bank transfers are temporarily blocked, and transaction confirmation can take up to 24 hours.

According to market participants, the problem is not with SBP itself, but with additional bank checks on individual transactions. As a result, some payments go through without delay, while others are sent for manual processing, making the service less predictable for everyday purchases.

SBP only began to be actively used in Turkey in 2026. The service allows payment for goods and services via QR code directly from a Russian bank's application without using bank cards. The solution quickly spread in tourist areas due to its ease of use and ruble-based calculations with automatic conversion to Turkish Lira.

Experts recommend that tourists do not rely solely on one payment method. When traveling to Turkey, it is advisable to have several alternatives – cash, bank cards accepted in the country, or other available payment instruments. This will help avoid problems when paying for hotels, restaurants, and purchases in case of bank verification delays.

Despite the difficulties, there has been no mass shutdown of SBP payments. These are temporary restrictions affecting some operations, not the entire system.

Read more on the topic: