Q: Regarding the diners card, which many people take out to get access to airport lounges across the world. The cost is R695 per year. According to the website: Airport lounge entrances are part of 15 complimentary visits, provided R12 000 spend is met on your account in the quarter of your visit. A quarter is defined as the calendar months between Jan – Mar, Apr – Jun, Jul – Sep, Oct – Dec. I know Mufti saheb has mentioned that all benefits from the bank are not permissible to use such as ebucks, FNB slow lounges etc,
1) Is it permissible to obtain and use such a credit card and the associated benefits and lounges? Provided one does not earn/pay interest, and keeps a positive balance on the card.
2) A person went for jamaat where a few sathies had this card. If a cardholder has guests that also want to enter the lounge, they can pay a fee of approx R250 and enter the lounge with the cardholder. So a sathie who is very strict not to use fnb slow lounges, ebucks etc was compelled to enter as the whole jamaat was agreed on entering and he didnt want to split the jamat. This R250 fee is especially for guests of cardholders and normal people wouldnt be able to enter. Is it permissible to pay the R250 (not being a cardholder) and enter the lounge and restaurant? If a person had done so, and Mufti sb views it as impermissible, what should he do to correct his mistake?
A:
1. Since these benefits are promised subject to the use of the card (i.e. at least spending R12000 through the card), it will be similar to the benefits one receives through the bank (FNB ebucks). Hence it will not be permissible for one to benefit from them.
2. He should make istighfaar and refrain from this in the future.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)