It is burnt for a deceased relative in order to help their soul in its progress towards nirvana in the Western Paradise and to obtain release from the cycle of rebirth and sentient existence.
聖嚴法師表示，其實在大陸並沒有往生錢。然而「江南多鬼神」，閩南地區一向最流行燒金銀紙，台灣自是承襲其風。