Q: I want your fatwa regarding the use of debit card. I understand that using credit card incurs interest when the withdrawn amount exceeds the amount in the person’s account with the bank as the overdraft provided by the bank is charged with interest. However, the use of debit card withdraws amount only upto the amount present in the persons bank account and therefore no overdraft facility is provided. This means no interest is charged. I therefore want to ask, is the use of debit card lawful as per islamic principles and allowed? The amount payed on the issuence and renewal of the card is the cost of the use of the card facility as per my knowledge and does not involve interest. Please provide me a clear answer.
A: It is permissible.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)