Bank benefits and Credit card reward programmes

Q: I would like to know what is the sha'ree ruling on e-bucks. Many family people use it and I want to show them the sha'ree ruling.

Q: A person chooses to deposit his additional cash in the bank for safe keeping due to safety concerns. He has no intention of loaning these funds to the bank. Will these funds still be treated as a loan to the bank if he has no intention of loaning it to the bank at the time of depositing?

Q: Whilst dealing with financial institutions (mainly banks), often we are invited to attend functions hosted by these institutions. Are we allowed to eat and drink the food that is served to us (the food is 100% halaal certified)? My question is not relating to the source of the food but the source of the money that paid for the function.

Q: Can you explain to me the reason why Ulamaa so severely condemn the earnings of banks? In today’s times, the majority of the wealth in banks is acquired through the deposits of people which are from halaal. Hence, if one leases out his property to a bank, the income should be halaal based on the principle that if 50% or more of one’s income is halaal and such a person has to give you a gift, you can accept it.

Q: With some bank accounts e.g. FNB platinum, access is gained to "slow" lounges in airports, where meals and rest etc can be taken. Is it permissible to use these lounges?

Q: I have read the fatwa regarding ebucks and I am interested in finding out about Diners card. Many of our Muslim brothers have a Diners card. It is like a credit card, which they pay a yearly fee for, and the benefits are that one can use Diners club lounges in airports throughout the world. In these lounges meals etc are available as well as lounge /resting facilities etc

Q: A person pays R 450.00 fixed bank charges a month. This fee entitles him to receive a cheque book, paper clips, bank packets, rubber bands and also covers other standard bank administration services.

1. May he use the cheque book, money packets, paper clips etc if the value does not exceed the R450.00 bank charges he paid.
2. If the value of these items exceed R450.00 p.m , may he utilise these items?

Q: Regarding First national bank, I would like to know if the benefits they give to customers who bank with them (like access to SLOW lounge at airports) are permissible?

Q: What is the shar`ee ruling on eBucks points earned through the bank?

Q: Can one use ebucks to purchase airtime?