Money-free economy is term that was used in 1960s[1] but has only recently come into large scale existence. Wikipedia itself is a prime example. Thousands of people are prepared to work for nothing editing Wikipedia on the condition that they can also play for nothing (as they do on YouTube etc,) listen to music for nothing (as they do on LimeWire etc). The idea has been criticized as being utopian, though as the requirements are being met it is looking more like a possibility.
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Communication technology and computers in particular have been important in creating an environment suitable for a money-free economy. The cost of copying and sharing information is extremely low as compared to the value of the information provided, so that even if beneficiaries only give back a small proportion of what thy receive, the system covers is effective.
In a post-scarcity society, people use only a small proportion of working time to buy the necessities of life like food and clothes, leaving them time and energy to give to others without money.
Coexistence with a traditional money economy poses the threat that leechers could gain profit by reselling goods or services provided by a money-free economy. A suitable accounting system such as Altruistic Economics could protect such a system against such free riders by identifying consistent takers who don't give back.
A shortage of money is one obvious incentive to pursue a money-free economy, with people doing things for one another 'on credit'. Other motivations to avoid money are economic or political conditions that leave money as an unusually insecure option, such as political instability or a risk of hyperinflation.
As an economy becomes money-free, tax revenues are likely to decline, and economic sanctions such as fines or subsidies become less important in dictating people's course of action. A switch to a money-free economy would likely decrease the power of national governments and central banks as it increased individual freedom and autonomy.
Since even mention of money increases people's competitiveness, a large scale money-free economy may be expected to promote cooperative behavior.
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