How to Monetize or Discount a Letter of Credit
Financely structures LC discounting and monetization facilities that convert future payments into immediate liquidity. We coordinate with rated banks and trade finance funds to advance up to 95% of face value against confirmed, irrevocable Letters of Credit.
What LC Monetization or Discounting Means
LC monetization or discounting converts a future-dated payment under a Letter of Credit into cash today. A bank or trade finance provider purchases the LC at a discount, paying the beneficiary upfront while collecting full value at maturity. It functions as a form of receivables financing backed by a bank undertaking rather than an invoice.
Why Monetize or Discount a Letter of Credit
Businesses use LC discounting to release locked-up working capital or manage timing gaps between shipment and payment. Common reasons include:
- Liquidity:
immediate cash to finance production, logistics, or debt service
- Risk mitigation:
transfer of payment and collection risk to the discounting bank
- Faster cycles:
ability to reinvest proceeds without waiting for LC maturity
How LC Monetization Works
The process follows a defined path from verification to disbursement:
- Submit the LC:
The beneficiary provides a confirmed, irrevocable LC issued under UCP 600 or ISP98.
- Verification:
The financial institution reviews authenticity, issuing bank rating, and compliance with terms.
- Offer and acceptance:
A discount quote is issued based on tenor and risk. Upon acceptance, funds are released.
- Settlement:
At maturity, the issuing bank pays full value to the discounting bank that advanced funds.
Example of LC Discounting
A supplier receives a USD 1,000,000 deferred payment LC payable in 120 days. To fund the next shipment, the supplier discounts the LC through a trade finance provider. After verification, 95% of the face value is advanced immediately. When the LC matures, the issuing bank pays the full amount to the provider, closing the position.
Benefits of LC Discounting
- Immediate liquidity:
convert future payments into usable cash
- Balance sheet neutral:
no new debt added to liabilities
- Reduced exposure:
collection risk transferred to the discounting institution
- Flexible structure:
available for deferred or usance LCs, confirmed or unconfirmed
Key Considerations
- Discount rate:
varies by issuing bank rating, tenor, and structure
- Eligible instruments:
only confirmed or confirmed-transferable LCs are accepted
- Documentation:
full presentation of LC, commercial invoice, and shipping documents required
How Financely Supports LC Monetization
Financely acts as an arranger connecting exporters and contractors with banks and funds that discount confirmed Letters of Credit. Our team ensures full compliance, transparent pricing, and verifiable settlement channels. We assist with structuring, verification, and legal coordination until disbursement.
Request Letter of Credit Discounting Terms
Send the LC copy, issuing bank details, and required advance percentage. We reply with indicative pricing, structure options, and a step-by-step execution plan.
Request LC Monetization
Financely operates as an arranger on a best efforts basis. Eligibility depends on LC terms, bank rating, and jurisdiction. All transactions are subject to due diligence, KYC, and compliance review by the discounting institution. Nothing here constitutes a commitment to lend or purchase.