How to Apply for a Trade Finance Loan Online: Step-by-Step
How to Apply for a Trade Finance Loan Online: Step-by-Step
Applying for a trade finance loan online can unlock cash for import-export deals, commodity purchases or invoice discounting without visiting a bank branch. This guide walks you through each stage—platform selection, document upload, credit review and disbursement—so you can apply for a trade finance loan online with confidence.
Step 1: Choose Your Loan Type and Platform
Decide whether you need an import letter of credit financing, invoice discounting, a commodity bridge facility or an SBLC-backed working-capital loan. Compare platforms by turnaround time, collateral requirements and rates. Financely’s portal lets you request quotes from 180 lender desks in one application.
Step 2: Create an Account & Complete KYC
Register using your corporate email and company registration number. Submit basic KYC details—company address, directors, ultimate beneficial owners and sanction-screen declarations. Automated checks flag any issues in under 24 hours.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Prepare digital copies (PDF or JPG) of key documents:
- Purchase orders or sales contracts
- Pro forma invoices or commercial invoices
- Corporate financial statements (last two years)
- Bank statements (last six months)
- Certificate of incorporation or business licence
- Trade references or supplier confirmations
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
In the portal, enter:
- Loan amount and currency
- Desired tenor (30–180 days typical)
- Collateral type (cash margin, SBLC, receivables pledge)
- Beneficiary bank details for LCs or SBLCs
- Purpose of funds
Review each field for accuracy before submitting.
Step 5: Automated Credit Scoring & Underwriter Review
Your submission enters a two-track review:
- Automated Score: AI models check financial ratios, historical repayment and trade-sector risk.
- Manual Underwriting: A lender committee reviews complex cases, exceptions or high amounts.
This hybrid approach cuts decision time by half.
Step 6: Receive Indicative Terms
Within 48–72 hours you see the draft term sheet:
| Term | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | SOFR + 250–550 bp | Depends on tenor & collateral |
| Origination fee | 0.5–1.5 % | Due at draw |
| Commitment fee | 0.1–0.3 % annualized | On undrawn balance |
| Collateral margin | 15–30 % | Cash or SBLC |
Step 7: Final Approval & E-Signature
Review the final agreement, sign electronically and post any required margin into escrow. Digital signatures accelerate closing by 2–3 days.
Step 8: Disbursement & Monitoring
Once margin is confirmed, funds are released:
- LCs / SBLCs issued via SWIFT MT 700/760 to beneficiary bank
- Bridge or invoice-discount proceeds wired to your treasury account
Track status in the portal dashboard: document receipts, SWIFT confirmations and repayment schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the online application take?
End-to-end it can run in 7–10 business days. Simple cases (repeat borrowers) often finish in under 5 days.
Q: Can I apply for multiple loan types at once?
Yes. The portal supports parallel requests for LCs, SBLCs and bridge loans in one submission.
Q: Is the online process secure?
All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Financely is SOC 2 compliant and follows ISO 20022 guidelines.
Ready to streamline your application? Financely’s Trade Finance Underwriting and Capital Raising team will handle KYC, credit review and funding so you can focus on your supply chain. Submit your online request today.
Request a QuoteGet Started With Us
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Trade Finance
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestProject Finance
Access non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestAcquisitions
Secure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFor Banks
Financely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce 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 pages for more information.
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.
