paper credit
/ˈpeɪpəˌkrɛdɪt/noun
1Credit in the form of promissory notes, payment orders, cheques, etc.
- Sometimes derogatory, with the suggestion that such credit may often be unsecured..
2As a count noun: a letter of credit, a cheque, etc., especially one intended to be transferred within the banking system without being redeemed.
Origin
Late 17th century. From paper + credit. Compare paper money.