What is the ruling on using a prepaid MasterCard with a fee of 200 riyals every two years, given the opinions that state it is impermissible if the fees exceed 35 riyals?
There is no objection to using a prepaid credit card, nor is there an objection to the issuing entity charging fees that exceed the actual cost in exchange for providing the service. As for the uncovered card, the bank's giving of money to the customer is considered a loan, so it is not permissible for the bank to take interest or profit on it; it should only charge the actual cost.
It was stated in the resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Academy regarding the uncovered card: It is permissible to issue it if it does not include a condition for usurious increase. It is permissible to take a fixed fee from the customer upon issuance or renewal as an actual wage. It is permissible to take a commission from the merchant, provided that the sale is at the same cash price. Cash withdrawal is a permissible loan if it does not entail a usurious increase, and the fixed fees associated with the service are not considered as such. Any increase beyond the actual services is forbidden because it falls under usury.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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