What is the ruling on opening a savings account in an interest-based bank out of necessity, with no alternative available, and is it permissible to withdraw the money before interest is calculated to avoid it?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to deposit money in an interest-based bank unless there is a necessity, such as fear of loss. In such a case, it must be placed in a current account to avoid interest-based gains. If that is not possible and one is compelled to deposit in a savings account, there is no sin, and the money must be withdrawn before the interest becomes due, if possible, so that it effectively functions as a current account. However, if the interest has already been deposited into the account, it must be taken and spent on the general welfare of the Muslims.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/121404
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 121404
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy