Cred sticks, which are also called credit chips, functioned as a method for transporting credits, which served as the standard currency within both the Galactic Republic and, subsequently, the Galactic Empire. Their small size made them easy to carry, and they were produced in several common values to simplify transactions.
During the Republic era, credit chips took the form of smaller, slender rectangles that were colored either gold or silver, depending on their monetary value.
During the Imperial era, credit chips were manufactured as larger, broader rectangles featuring rounded edges, and were uniformly gold in their coloration.
At Watto's junkshop, credit chips were not recognized as a valid form of payment. All listed prices were given in terms of coins.