Having an ATM card in a non-Islamic bank

10-4-2005 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling in getting an ATM card in a non-Muslim bank ?

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

First of all you should know that it is not permissible for a Muslim to save his money in banks which deal with usury and interest. However, if there is no Islamic bank and the Muslim needs to save his money in such banks then there is no harm on him. In this case, it is permissible for him to get an ATM card from the bank when he is in need of it.

It should be noted that if a Muslim is forced to open an account in a bank which deals with usury and interest, then he should open a current account, and it is not permissible for him to open a savings account, as necessity is rated according to degree of urgency. In case he is forced to open a savings account, then it is not permissible for him to benefit from the interest, and he should not leave it for the bank, rather he should spend it in the general interest of the Muslims with the intention of getting rid of the forbidden money.  

Allaah knows best.