Standby Letter of Credit for US-Based Companies 

Selecting the right Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) provider is crucial for safeguarding your business's financial interests.  This decision should be based on your specific business requirements, the nature of your transactions, and your financial strength.


If your company has a high revenue turnover and a strong credit history with your bank, obtaining an SBLC from a local bank can be particularly advantageous.


Local banks that are familiar with your financial standing may offer more favorable terms, lower fees, and expedited processing times. They can also provide personalized service and a deeper understanding of your business needs, which can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the SBLC issuance.


We can also assist by issuing SBLCs on your behalf through JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America or China Construction Bank, offering flexible solutions tailored to your financial objectives.

Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) Term Sheet
Parameter Details
Issuer
  • AAA-rated international banks.
  • Full compliance with UCP 600 or ISP98 rules as applicable.
Applicant
  • Corporate entities or project SPVs with a proven credit profile.
  • Backed by collateral, retainer fees, or parent company guarantees where required.
Purpose
  • Performance guarantees.
  • Payment guarantees for trade and project finance transactions.
  • Credit enhancement for lenders or investors.
SBLC Amount
  • Minimum: $5 million.
  • Maximum: $100 million USD (higher amounts subject to additional underwriting).
Tenor
  • 1 to 3 years, renewable.
  • Shorter tenors available for specific transactions.
Retainer Fee
  • $59,500 for facilities up to $5M USD
  • $125,000 for facilities up to $50M USD
  • $375,000 for facilities $50M to $100M USD
  • Non-refundable.
  • Payable upon term sheet execution.
Issuance Fee
  • 1.0% to 3.0% of SBLC face value annually.
  • Based on creditworthiness and transaction complexity.
Issuing Banks JPMorgan Chase, China Construction Bank
Interest Rates U.S. Prime Rate + 3% per annum
Maximum LC Face Value $100,000,000 USD
Conditions Precedent
  • Submission of financial statements and credit documentation.
  • Clear proof of underlying transaction or project.
  • Verification of collateral or guarantees supporting the SBLC.
Security Package
  • First-ranking lien on collateral, if applicable.
  • Parent company or personal guarantees.
  • Assignment of receivables or other cash flow rights.
Disbursement Timeline
  • SBLC issuance within 10-30 days after all conditions precedent are satisfied.
*financely.io – Trade & Project Finance Advisory*

Secured VS Unsecured SBLC

Collateralized SBLC

When dealing with most banks, they will ask you to have 100% collateral to back up the Letter of Credit. This means you need to secure the credit with assets or cash equivalent to the value of the credit.


Be mindful that banks will also charge extra fees for using the Letter of Credit, usually between 2% & 6% annually, plus some initial issuing charges.


Knowing these costs is important to use SBLC effectively for your business needs. 

Unsecured SBLC

In some rare situations, if you don’t have enough collateral, a bank might still issue an unsecured LC if they think the transaction is low risk.


In case the bank insists on collateral and you don’t have it, you will need to find a third party to provide it.


It’s crucial to understand these aspects to avoid any unforeseen complications in your business transactions. 

 

Contact Us To Secure Your Standby LC

We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help. 

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