Turkey · Banking & Payments

Papara

Papara is a Turkish e-money app with a prepaid card and instant transfers, now owned by the state-owned Emlak Katılım participation bank.

What it helps with

A prepaid card for online shoppingPapara issues a prepaid card that residents use for online and in-store payments.
Transfers between usersMoney can be sent instantly between Papara accounts and to bank IBANs.
Bill paymentsPhone and utility bills can be paid in the app.

About Papara

Papara grew into one of Turkey’s most popular e-money apps, offering a free account, a prepaid card for online and in-store payments, instant transfers between users and to bank accounts, and bill payments. In 2025 the company was placed under the management of the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) during a criminal investigation into its former owners, and some services were restricted. In April 2026 TMSF sold Papara and its related companies to Emlak Katılım, a state-owned participation bank.

Key Features

Prepaid card: Pay online and in shops with a Papara card.
Instant transfers: Send money to other Papara users and to bank IBANs.
Bill payments: Pay phone and utility bills in the app.
Spending overview: See every transaction in the app history.

How to Get Started

Install the Papara app and register with a Turkish phone number.
Verify your identity to raise the account limits.
Load money by bank transfer from your Turkish bank account.
Order the card or use the virtual card for online purchases.

Before you use it

Good to know: Papara was placed under a state trustee (TMSF) in 2025 and sold to Emlak Katılım bank in April 2026; some services were restricted during that period.
Sign-up: Full accounts need a Turkish phone number and identity verification, so the service suits residents rather than tourists.

Local number needed Local ID needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Papara work with a foreign bank card in Turkey?: Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Papara available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Papara?: Yes, Papara requires a local phone number to register.
Do I need local ID or residency for Papara?: Yes, Papara requires local ID or residency status.
Where can I use Papara?: iOS · Android · Web
How much does Papara cost?: Account and card free to open; fees by transaction type