Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Bartering is a method of exchange where goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without the use of money. It relies on a mutual agreement between parties on the value of the traded items.
Related terms
Economic Systems: The structure and methods by which a society manages its resources and allocates goods and services.
Trade: The action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services between people or countries.
Market Economy: An economic system where decisions regarding investment, production, and distribution are guided by the price signals created through the forces of supply and demand