Is it permissible to open two accounts in an interest-based bank, one for daily transactions without interest, and the other for savings with interest, if the bank stipulates that as a condition to protect the primary account, especially since dealing with interest-based banks is considered a necessity in non-Muslim countries?
It is not permissible to deposit money in interest-based (riba-based) banks except out of necessity and in the absence of Islamic banks. In such cases, it should be limited to a current account without interest, as a way of choosing the lesser of two evils. Opening a current account in an interest-based bank is forbidden because the bank utilizes the money in its illicit activities. However, if a person fears for their money, then depositing it becomes permissible.
If keeping money in a single account poses a risk to it, then there is no objection to opening another account—without interest—after verifying the bank's claim. And if the risk can only be removed by opening a savings account, then that is permissible, provided that the interest is not utilized but rather disbursed for the benefit of Muslims. One should verify the existence of the alleged risk.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 19332
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
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