Time Traders: How Apps Are Reviving Bartering in the Digital Age

By&nbspDavid Del Valle

Published on
29/07/2026 – 6:00 GMT+2

Bartering, humanity’s most ancient method of trade, is experiencing a surprising revival. Amid growing inflation, escalating living expenses, and widespread economic uncertainty, an increasing number of individuals are turning to alternative methods of acquiring goods and services—without relying on traditional currency.

In an unexpected twist, technology is playing a pivotal role in this resurgence. A new wave of digital platforms is redefining the concept of exchange by substituting money with time, expertise, and personal skills. What was once a localized practice of trading goods or favors among neighbors has now evolved into a global, app-driven movement.

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Instead of monetary transactions, users trade based on what they can offer. A tax advisor might assist with filing returns in exchange for cooking lessons in Japanese cuisine; an expert in artificial intelligence could receive travel planning advice; and a language instructor may learn photography—all without spending a single euro.

Time as Currency

This renewed interest in bartering aligns with the continued expansion of the sharing economy and the growing need for households to maximize their resources efficiently. Unlike traditional consumer behavior, these platforms promote the use of a universal asset: knowledge.

The core principle is straightforward—time serves as the medium of exchange. The SACO app, developed by two Spanish entrepreneurs, operates outside conventional service marketplaces where money is involved. Here, the unit of value is measured in minutes. When a user provides a service, they earn time credits that can later be redeemed for assistance from other members of the community.

This system facilitates the seamless exchange of skills without requiring direct financial compensation. “We’re bringing bartering into the modern age through digital innovation,” says Kazuhiro Tajima, one of the co-founders and a Spanish psychiatrist of Japanese heritage.

The platform accommodates a broad spectrum of talents—from private tutors in languages and music to professionals in graphic design, artificial intelligence, tax consultation, sports coaching, culinary arts, and travel planning. Even everyday abilities that aren’t typically viewed as professional skills can prove invaluable to others within the network.

Talent Has Value

The foundation of this model rests on a simple premise: nearly everyone possesses at least one skill that could benefit someone else. However, many people never capitalize on these abilities—either because they don’t consider themselves professionals or simply haven’t found an accessible way to share their expertise.

“Most people have untapped potential they either undervalue or hesitate to monetize due to fear or self-doubt,” notes Tajima, the app’s creator.

These platforms don’t aim to generate income but instead transform knowledge into a form of currency that enables access to various services without upfront costs. While bartering hasn’t vanished entirely, its advocates argue it tends to re-emerge during periods of financial hardship.

“Bartering is the original economic system and it has never truly disappeared. It resurfaces during times of crisis,” Tajima observes. Economic instability, coupled with efforts to reduce spending, is driving demand for systems where access to services depends more on individual capabilities than on purchasing power.

This trend also resonates with the growing emphasis on circular and collaborative economies, where resource-sharing, knowledge reuse, and leveraging underutilized skills are becoming increasingly appealing.

The Human Factor

The rise of these platforms also reflects a deeper societal shift—the desire to maintain human connection in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. While tools like ChatGPT and virtual assistants can quickly answer numerous questions, they cannot replicate the nuance of hands-on experience, personalized context, or face-to-face learning.

According to SACO’s creators, this type of exchange not only helps users save money but also fosters meaningful relationships and highlights overlooked talents. Trust is maintained through a rating system akin to those used by other sharing-economy applications.

In a world where technology often displaces traditional interactions, the revival of bartering demonstrates how some of the oldest economic principles can regain relevance through digital innovation. No longer dependent on coins, banknotes, or credit cards, today’s currency consists of time, experience, and knowledge.

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