Checks, Credit Cards, Etc.

Under modern conditions things other than cash also have to be considered. What about bhikkhus using checks or even postage stamps or phone cards?^[1] What is included in the rule and where does one draw the line? Different communities will understand these rules in slightly different ways — although probably all will find ordinary postage stamps acceptable! It seems that although credit cards and checks do not quite function in the same way as cash and therefore may not break that rule about accepting money (Nis. Paac. 18), they would still fall under another offence. (See below: Buying and Selling and Barter or Trade.) Some modern opinions:

"At present the term [gold and silver] would include coins and paper currency, but not checks, credit cards, bank drafts, or promissory notes, as these — on their own and without further identification of the persons carrying them — do not function as true currency."

(BMC p.215)

"Checks, credit cards and travelers checks are not the same as money because [they are not] commonly negotiable, something that one can take into almost any shop and, without any further ink work or paperwork, exchange it for whatever one desires....[therefore] there is no offence for receiving or holding these things. However, using checks, credit cards and travelers checks or things similar would come under buying and selling and the offences listed under [Confession with Forfeiture] 19 and 20 would be likely to arise."

(AB)

"The offence [Nis. Paac. 20] is committed when the bhikkhu hands the signed credit card receipt — or has it handed — to the seller..."

(BMC p.230)