Which of the following is NOT a credit instrument?

The term **credit instrument** refers to a written document that provides evidence of a borrower's promise to repay a debt. These instruments allow the transfer of money or credit between parties. Each of the options given is assessed below:

Bill of Exchange: This is a written order used primarily in international trade that binds one party to pay a fixed sum of money to another party at a predetermined future date. It is a credit instrument as it facilitates deferred payments.

Bank Notes: These are the paper currency issued by a central bank that people can use to pay for goods and services. They are not credit instruments because they represent actual money rather than a promise to pay in the future.

Cheques: A cheque is a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed from the account holder's balance. It is a credit instrument as it allows the holder to defer payment until it is presented at the bank.

Bill of Lading: This is a document issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment. It is mainly used to transfer goods and does not involve deferred payments or evidence of a debt, thus it is not a credit instrument.

Therefore, among the given options, the Bill of Lading is NOT a credit instrument as it is primarily related to the shipment and receipt of goods, and not to financial credit or promises of payment.