A sharia credit card (sharia card) performs the same function as a regular credit card — pay now, settle later — but is built on riba-free principles. There is no interest on outstanding balances; instead the bank applies akad schemes with fixed, upfront fees.
These products are issued by Islamic banks and sharia business units, follow the fatwas of the National Sharia Board (DSN-MUI), and are supervised by each bank's Sharia Supervisory Board. The card also generally cannot be used at merchants that conflict with sharia principles.
How the Akad Schemes Work
Three common akads: kafalah (the bank guarantees your transaction to the merchant and earns an ujrah fee), qardh (a loan covering cash withdrawal facilities), and ijarah (membership fees as payment for services). In practice you pay fixed, transparent membership and monthly fees — not compounding interest.
Who Is It For?
- You want a payment tool aligned with sharia principles and free of riba.
- You value a fixed fee structure known from day one.
- You still need full card functionality: online, travel and international payments.
What to Check Before Applying
| Aspect | What it means |
|---|---|
| Fee structure | Membership fees, monthly ujrah and late charges (routed to social funds) — all fixed upfront. |
| Akads used | Kafalah, qardh and ijarah — ask which akad governs which feature. |
| Merchant restrictions | Transactions at non-compliant merchant categories are generally blocked automatically. |
| Features & network | Confirm online, international and emergency withdrawal support meets your needs. |
| Supervision | Products follow DSN-MUI fatwas under the issuer's Sharia Supervisory Board. |
Sharia or Conventional — Which Is Cheaper?
It depends on usage. For those who always pay in full, costs are similar — the difference is principle. For those who sometimes carry a balance, fixed sharia fees are more predictable than running interest; compare with low interest cards to see both sides. Requirements match regular cards — age 21+, proof of income, NPWP. First card? Start at the beginner category.