Bank benefits and Credit card reward programmes

Redeeming points from a bank and giving it in charity

Q: My question is regarding Standard Bank U Courts. 

I do have points currently which I am not using as I believe that its haraam. 

Can I redeem the points by purchasing items from their stipulated stores and give it away in charity to my non Muslim helper or to an old age home or orphanage. If this is possible, does it have to be to a non Muslim old age home or orphanage? 

I also have the intention to cancel the U count

Purchasing items with U Count points and giving it in charity

Q: I have the following queries regarding the U Count rewards from Standard Bank. I do earn these points but do not use them as per your previous fataawa that I read on your website. 

My questions are as follows: 

1. Can I purchase items from the U Count participating retailers e.g. Makro and give these items to my helper who is a non-Muslim or any Muslim person or any Muslim organization e.g. a Muslim orphanage? 

2. Can I purchase items for me e.g. R1000.00 using the points and then take R1000 in cash and give it away to any Muslim, non-Muslim or any Muslim organization?

eBucks

Q: Kindly please advise.

My husband has a credit card which he uses to do transactions and alhamdulillah all these transactions are interest free. He uses it for convenience so he doesn't need to carry cash. By using this card he earns ebucks points which have accumulated and will be very valuable in purchasing necessary appliances in the home. Is the purchasing of these items with the ebucks points permissible?