Is It Halal to Use a Credit Card?

Q: Is It Halal to Use a Credit Card?

Many scholars permit using a credit card if you always pay the full balance before any interest is charged, and never use it for cash withdrawals that carry interest. Signing an agreement that includes interest is disliked by some scholars, so a debit card or a Shariah-compliant card is the safest option.

Also asked as: “Can Muslims use credit cards?” · “Are credit cards haram?”

The view of many scholars

A credit card lets you borrow for a short, interest-free period. If you clear the full balance every month, you never pay interest, and many scholars permit this — especially where a card is needed for booking travel, building a credit history or purchase protection.

The cautious view

Other scholars say that agreeing to a contract that includes interest terms is itself a problem, even if you plan to avoid it. They recommend debit cards or charge cards instead.

Things to avoid

Carrying a balance and paying interest
Cash advances, which usually charge interest immediately
Interest-bearing "balance transfer" deals after the 0% period

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The view of many scholars

The cautious view

Things to avoid

Test what you know

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