Istanbul set to accept credit cards for mass transit passes

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) signed an agreement with top payment processing company Mastercard for the use of contactless credit and debit cards in mass transportation, from buses to metro services.

The agreement will allow passengers to travel around the city of more than 15 million people without the hassle of topping up their electronic passes. It will be particularly convenient for tourists in the city as the scheme will also accept foreign credit cards. Credit cards will start being accepted in 2023.