Documentary Letters of Credit (DLC): Securing Trade Payments with Confidence
Documentary Letters of Credit (DLC): Securing Trade Payments with Confidence
Documentary Letters of Credit (DLC): Securing Trade Payments with Confidence
What is a Documentary Letter of Credit? A Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC) is a payment guarantee issued by a buyer’s bank that ensures the seller will receive payment once agreed shipping and commercial documents are presented.
When two companies from different countries want to trade, trust becomes a hurdle. A Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC) solves that. It guarantees that the seller will get paid—if they follow the terms. That’s why it’s one of the most widely used instruments in global trade.
How a DLC Works
Agreement:
The buyer and seller agree to use a DLC for payment and define the terms in their contract.
Issuance:
The buyer applies through their bank to issue the DLC. The bank sends it to the seller’s bank (called the advising bank).
Shipment:
The seller ships the goods and collects the documents (bill of lading, invoice, insurance certificate, etc.).
Document Presentation:
The seller submits these to their bank, which forwards them to the issuing bank.
Examination and Payment:
If the documents match the DLC terms, the issuing bank releases payment to the seller.
Key Benefits of Using a DLC
Payment Security:
Sellers are paid only when conditions are met, reducing risk.
Control for Buyers:
Buyers only pay when goods are shipped and documents are submitted properly.
International Credibility:
DLCs are governed by global standards (UCP 600).
Common DLC Types
Irrevocable DLC:
Cannot be canceled or changed without both parties' agreement.
Confirmed DLC:
A second bank adds its guarantee to the payment.
Sight LC:
Payment is made immediately upon document presentation.
Usance LC:
Payment is made at a later date (e.g. 60 days after documents).
Transferable LC:
Can be transferred to another beneficiary (used by intermediaries).
Back-to-Back LC:
Used by traders who use a DLC from a buyer to issue one to their supplier.
DLC vs SBLC: What’s the Difference?
A DLC is a primary payment method. It is triggered by documentation proving shipment. An SBLC is a contingent payment guarantee
—only used if something goes wrong. Both are powerful, but they serve different roles in trade finance.
Documents Typically Required Under a DLC
Commercial Invoice
Bill of Lading
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Insurance Certificate
Inspection Certificate (if required)
What Can Go Wrong?
Most DLC issues come down to document discrepancies. Even minor errors (misspellings, wrong dates, missing certificates) can delay or void payment. That’s why many sellers work with advisors or checklists to get it right.
How Financely Helps with DLCs
We help clients secure and issue DLCs through global banks and private trade funds. Whether you’re a supplier who needs a confirmed DLC, or a buyer who wants to secure a transaction—we structure, negotiate, and deliver.
Need Help Issuing or Receiving a DLC?
We work globally with clients in trade, commodities, logistics, and infrastructure to structure clean, secure DLCs through top-tier institutions.
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Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address
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offerings.
Once we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If
eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ
and Procedure
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Disclaimer:
Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility.
Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are
subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties
carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
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Financely advises growth-focused businesses on accessing capital by introducing their opportunities to professional investors. Financely is not a securities broker or dealer. Where appropriate, engagements are coordinated with regulated broker-dealers, investment banks, legal counsel, and other specialists.
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LCs and Confirmations
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Funding arranged for trade flows with instruments sized to your cycle and aligned to delivery and settlement.
Move forward to secure working capital and keep goods moving. Submit the RFQ to start underwriting for funding.
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See our FAQ
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Financely Inc. (“Financely”) provides corporate-finance advice and is wholly owned by Aurora Bay Trust, a trust formed under Bahamian law, together with its authorized affiliates. Depending on deal structure, jurisdiction, and local rules, engagement may be carried out through Financely Group LLC, a non-deposit-taking non-banking financial company; Ashford Capital Advisory LLC; or another related entity. Financely and its affiliates are not registered as securities broker-dealers. When a mandate involves the purchase or sale of securities and a registered intermediary is required, all orders are introduced to and executed by a U.S. broker-dealer registered with the SEC and FINRA, acting as “chaperone” under SEC Rule 15a-6 (17 C.F.R. § 240.15a-6). Nothing here constitutes an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security. Before proceeding, read our Terms of Service to confirm that engaging Financely Group LLC, Ashford Capital Advisory LLC, or any affiliate aligns with your legal and regulatory requirements.In the United States, we operate as anexempt foreign private adviserpursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, subject to applicable exemptions from certain regulatory requirements. Our services and regulatory status may vary based on the location and nature of the transaction. Clickhereto download our brochure.