(F 303) Some banks offer financial incentives to open a bank account and keep the amount for a specified period before benefiting from it. Is this considered interest?

This type of money falls under the category of gifts and grants and has nothing to do with any loan that incurs benefit; because opening a current account does not involve a fixed increase as part of the contract. Additionally, prohibition according to its rule occurs with the condition of benefit, not with its provision; because the Prophet, peace be upon him, repaid a debt and added a gift to it, as mentioned in an authentic (Ṣaḥīḥ) Ḥadīth.

Therefore, there is no harm in taking the bank’s incentive for opening a current or temporary account.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr