What Is a Documentary Letter of Credit and How Does It Work?
A Documentary Letter of Credit is a bank commitment to pay a seller when the seller presents documents that match the Letter of Credit terms. It is widely used in cross border trade to reduce counterparty and country risk. The rules most commonly applied are UCP 600 and, where allowed, eUCP for electronic presentation.
The buyer’s bank pays against compliant documents, not against promises. Clear wording, correct documents, and proper timing unlock payment certainty.
What Is a Documentary Letter of Credit?
A Documentary Letter of Credit is an irrevocable undertaking issued by a bank at the buyer’s request to pay the seller when specified documents are presented and found compliant. Typical documents include the commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, packing list, and any certificates required by the contract.
- Irrevocable unless all parties agree to amend or cancel
- Payment triggered by documents that comply on their face
- Subject to UCP 600 and the LC text itself
- May be confirmed by a second bank to add its independent payment undertaking
How a Documentary Letter of Credit Works
1. Buyer Applies
Buyer requests an LC from the issuing bank with defined terms.
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2. LC Issued
Issuing bank transmits the LC to the seller’s bank. Confirmation may be added.
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3. Shipment
Seller ships goods as per contract and gathers required documents.
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4. Presentation
Documents are presented to the bank and examined for compliance.
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5. Payment
If compliant, payment is made at sight or at maturity for usance terms.
Key Features
- Payment certainty:
Seller is paid against compliant presentation
- Document driven:
Banks check documents, not goods
- Irrevocable structure:
Terms remain stable unless amended by consent
- Risk control:
Useful where buyer credit or country risk is a concern
Benefits For Buyers and Sellers
For Sellers
- Bank undertaking reduces buyer default risk
- Discounting options to accelerate cash
- Clarity on shipping and document standards
For Buyers
- Goods ship only when terms are met
- Negotiable terms on timing and documents
- Better supplier confidence and pricing
Example In Practice
An importer in the United States agrees to buy textiles worth USD 500,000 from an exporter in India. The importer applies for an LC naming the exporter as beneficiary. The exporter ships, submits the bill of lading, invoice, and packing list. The bank finds the presentation compliant and pays at sight. Title documents then move to the buyer after settlement.
Documentary Letter of Credit vs Standby Letter of Credit
| Aspect |
Documentary LC (UCP 600) |
Standby LC (ISP98) |
| Purpose |
Primary payment method for trade |
Secondary payment guarantee |
| Activation |
Pays against compliant shipping documents |
Pays on default or specified demand conditions |
| Common Use |
Import and export shipments |
Performance support and financial undertakings |
How Financely Can Help
- Arrange LC issuance or confirmation with clear, bankable wording
- Set up discounting so compliant presentations convert to cash quickly
- Support eUCP where suitable and control the flow of originals and proceeds
- Coordinate across banks, shippers, and insurers for clean execution
Request Indicative Terms
Share sample LC text, target banks, trade flow, and KYC. We will revert with aligned wording and discounting options.
Request A Quote
Financely acts as arranger and advisor through regulated partners. We do not hold client funds. Any issuance, confirmation, or discounting is subject to KYC, AML, sanctions screening, documentary compliance, and approvals by issuing and funding counterparties.