The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Turkey, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
This happened to me at a VakifBank ATM in Istanbul near Taksim. The machine froze and wouldn’t return my card. I went to the nearest VakifBank branch the next morning with my passport, and they were able to retrieve it because it was one of their own ATMs. If the ATM is attached to a bank branch, go there in person with ID as soon as they open. If it’s a standalone ATM (like at a convenience store), your chances of getting the card back drop sharply.
Same thing happened to me at a Ziraat ATM in Antalya. I contacted their customer support using the number on the ATM and they told me the machine would be emptied in 48 hours. I had to go to the branch it was linked to, fill out a form, and show ID. I got the card back two days later. If you're using a foreign bank card, make sure to also freeze it temporarily from your app just in case.
I lost my Revolut card to a Halkbank ATM in Izmir last month. It took my card in after a long pause and then shut down. Locals advised me to skip the branch and just block the card and reorder it the bank won’t return foreign cards unless you have an account with them. I ended up using my backup Wise card. So unless it’s your bank or you speak Turkish well enough to push the process, it’s often faster to just replace the card.
I had a debit card swallowed at an Isbank ATM in Bodrum Marina. I went straight to the bank the next morning with my passport and they were very professional. The branch manager explained they clear the machine once every two days and that I could collect it if I had ID and the exact time it was taken. I waited 48 hours and got it back, so it’s possible but timing is everything. The card must stay inside the bank’s custody window or it gets destroyed.
I lost my Revolut card to a Halkbank ATM in Izmir last month. It sucked it in after a long pause and then shut down. Locals advised me to skip the branch and just block the card and reorder it the bank won’t return foreign cards unless you have an account with them. I ended up using my backup Wise card. So unless it’s your bank or you speak Turkish well enough to push the process, it’s often faster to just replace the card.
Same thing happened to me at a Ziraat ATM in Antalya. I contacted their customer support using the number on the ATM and they told me the machine would be emptied in 48 hours. I had to go to the branch it was linked to, fill out a form, and show ID. I got the card back two days later. If you're using a foreign bank card, make sure to also freeze it temporarily from your app just in case.
This happened to me at a VakıfBank ATM in Istanbul near Taksim. The machine froze and wouldn’t return my card. I went to the nearest VakıfBank branch the next morning with my passport, and they were able to retrieve it because it was one of their own ATMs. If the ATM is attached to a bank branch, go there in person with ID as soon as they open. If it’s a standalone ATM (like at a convenience store), your chances of getting the card back drop sharply.
Most Turkish ATMs automatically swallow cards if:
You enter wrong PIN 3 times
The transaction times out
The machine suspects fraud
Your best chance is acting fast. I did this at both HSBC and ING ATMs. Visit the branch in person with passport/ID. They usually keep swallowed cards for 3-5 business days before destroying them. For foreign cards, they may require additional verification from your home bank.