I would
like to know whether the use of Ebucks points and U count rewards is
permissible or not. I would also like to know if we could use points
accumulated by swiping dischem or clicks cards at filling stations.

Answer: 

Our understanding of E-bucks points is that these points are sponsored by businesses that have participated with FNB in the E-bucks programme, hence these points are considered as a gift from the sponsors (and not from the bank) to the e-bucks card holder, making it permissible to derive benefit from. However, this is in a case where an existing FNB client or account holder is added to the E-bucks programme and the client does not open an account purely with the intention of subscribing to the E-bucks programme.

If on the other hand, the points gifted to clients are from the various departments of FNB (from the “profits” generated by them) such as the credit card division, cheque card division, then it would not be permissible to benefit from these points as the majority of the income generated by the banks is primarily from interest funds. Furthermore, this would then fall under the category of deriving benefit from a loan (as the money deposited with banks is in effect, a loan to the bank). A Hadeeth states that any such loan that generates benefit, is tantamount to taking interest.

If there is a way of determining the number of points accumulated by sponsors which is acceptable to use then one should acquire such a breakdown from the bank or the card rewards programme department and utilize the points up to that extent. The additional points (that are impermissible to use) can be returned to the bank since these points hold no monetary value in terms of Shariah and therefore cannot be sold. If they cannot be returned to the bank, but can be acquired from the bank in any way, then this surplus (which is over and above what is gifted by sponsors) should be discharged in charity without any intention of reward.

We don’t have information on the U-count membership programme. However, if U-count follows the same procedure as E-bucks then the same ruling will be applicable.

The points accrued from Dischem and Clicks are in fact, a gift from the store to the cardholder, hence will be permissible to use.

AND ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B

Date: 15 Safar 1441 Darul Ifta Azaadville English Date: 14 October 2019