Credit Chip
A Credit Chip is a small electronic device preloaded with a set amount of credits. The credit chip can then be used to make purchases with the credits on the chip, depleting its balance with each purchase. More credits can also be loaded onto the chip. The primary purpose of credit chips is the storage of credits onto offline media, away from bad actors on the NET. While there is no cost associated with adding or spending credits from a credit chip, the credit chip itself must be purchased before use. However, some banking institutions may provide credit chips for free as an incentive to use their services.
Most people accept credit chips in lieu of other credit transfer methods. They are most useful for interstellar travel, where the NET and illegal trade may be more common. People in populated areas and easy access to the NET are less likely to own credit chips—unless they don’t want their credits to be tracked.