The documentary credit, also known as a letter of credit, is one of the most secure payment methods in international trade, offering advantages for both importers and exporters. If you are an importer, we can issue documentary credits on your behalf, and if you are an exporter, we can receive advice of documentary credits issued in your favour.
Complete trade finance resources
At our Trade & Export Finance site, we provide comprehensive information and resources on documentary credits: application forms, fact sheets, international rules, a glossary, a graphic depiction of the documentary credit process and a checklist of points to remember in the required documents.
Import documentary credits
When you import goods or services, using documentary credits as your method of payment offers several advantages. For example, you are under no obligation to pay unless all the conditions of the documentary credit are fulfilled. Read more about import documentary credits.
Export documentary credits
Using documentary credits when you export goods or services means the importer's bank commits itself to paying you when the conditions of the credit have been met. This offers a number of advantages. For example, payment is guaranteed by the importer's bank prior to shipment. Read more about export documentary credits.