Can I get a credit card?
| Fatwa #1064 | Category: Business & Trade | Country: | Date: 10th January 2024 |
| Fatwa #1064 | Date: 10th January 2024 |
| Category: Business & Trade | |
| Country: | |
Question
From my understanding it is better to avoid credit cards and in case we use it we should do so with the intention of settling the due amount before the date so that we can avoid the interest. According to my knowledge we should opt for a credit card only if we have a necessity do so (meaning if there is no alternative other than the credit card). I also came to know that it is permissible to accept the discounts offered for credit card purchases at the time of purchase. So my questions are,
1. Can I obtain a credit card if the only reason for obtaining the card is to be entitled to the discounts offered for credit card holders ? (credit card holders usually get a higher % of discount than debit card holders. Around 10% or higher discounts than debit card holders )
2. If the answer for question 1 is No, then can I borrow someone’s credit card (if it is permissible) and make purchases so that I can get the items at a discounted price?
3. Can I obtain a credit card for the purpose of building a good credit score (so far I did not need a credit score, but in case if it is required in future) and to be entitled to the discounts (discounts mentioned in question 1 above)
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
In the absence of need, one should avoid getting a credit card.[1]
Obtaining discounts does not appear to be a genuine reason but building a good credit score would be considered genuine enough.
It will also be permissible to utilise someone else’s credit card and the included benefits provided one makes the full payment on time and does not incur any interest.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Bilal Pandor
Concurred by
Mufti Muhammad IV Patel
Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia
[1]فتاوى دار العلوم زكريا ج5 ص 399
Contemporary Fatawa Mufti Taqi Uthmani pg 162