The term 'alternative to cash' can refer to two different solutions: CREDIT and smartcard. CREDIT is a form of payment that allows a customer to borrow money from a lender in order to purchase goods or services. The customer then pays back the lender with interest over a period of time. Smartcards are plastic cards that contain a microchip which stores information such as a customer's account balance, allowing them to make purchases without having to carry cash. Both CREDIT and smartcards provide an alternative to cash, allowing customers to make purchases without having to carry large amounts of money.