What Is the Purpose of a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)?

What Is the Purpose of a Standby Letter of Credit | Uses, Rules, Examples, Costs

What Is the Purpose of a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)?

An SBLC is a bank’s independent promise to pay the beneficiary if the applicant fails to perform or pay. It replaces counterparty risk with bank risk, keeps deals moving without cash prepayment, and gives clear documentary rules for calling the instrument if things go wrong.

The purpose in one line

Provide a clean, documentary, bank-backed remedy so the beneficiary can recover quickly on default without arguing the underlying contract.

How an SBLC works

Independent undertaking

The bank’s obligation stands separate from the sales, lease, EPC, or loan contract. The bank examines documents only.

Documentary demand

The beneficiary presents a written demand and any stated documents. If compliant, the bank pays up to the SBLC amount.

Expiry and extend-or-pay

The SBLC states an expiry. Many include extend-or-pay language so coverage continues when milestones slip.

Common use cases

Trade and supply
  • * Payment standby for invoices
  • * Performance or warranty standby for quality claims
Projects and EPC
  • * Bid, advance payment, and performance security
  • * O&M and defect liability coverage
Commercial real estate
  • * Tenant security in place of cash deposits
  • * Construction obligations and completion risk
Corporate and M&A
  • * Escrow replacement for price adjustments
  • * Letter of credit for lease or utility obligations

How SBLCs compare to other instruments

Instrument Purpose Rule set
SBLC Pay on default of payment or performance, against documents. Usually ISP98, sometimes UCP600 if parties prefer LC rules.
Demand guarantee On-demand payout for bids, advances, or performance with simple demand wording. URDG 758 if stated.
Documentary LC (commercial) Primary payment method for goods against shipping documents. UCP600.

Rules and jurisdiction basics

Rule sets
  • ISP98 is tailored for standbys: notices, extend-or-pay, transfer, and presentation standards.
  • UCP600 can govern an SBLC if the parties choose it. Many banks still prefer ISP98 for clarity.
Legal backdrop
  • United States: UCC Article 5 governs letters of credit. Courts protect autonomy with a narrow fraud exception.
  • UK and many Commonwealth courts respect on-demand autonomy with limited injunctions.
  • EU banks apply CRR for regulatory treatment of guarantees and SBLCs as unfunded credit protection when criteria are met.

Why beneficiaries and applicants use SBLCs

For the beneficiary
  • Bank-risk payout on a compliant demand.
  • Less reliance on the counterparty’s balance sheet.
  • Clear timelines and documentary standards.
For the applicant
  • Unlocks contracts without tying up cash collateral in full.
  • Signals credibility to landlords, suppliers, and project owners.
  • Often cheaper than escrow or large prepaid deposits.

Typical costs

Banks charge a percentage per annum on the SBLC amount, plus issuance and amendment fees. Price depends on applicant credit, collateral, issuer name, jurisdiction, and tenor. Confirmation by a second bank adds a premium when the beneficiary wants local bank risk.

Steps to issue and manage an SBLC

  1. Define purpose, amount, expiry, governing rules, and demand contents.
  2. Prepare KYC, financials, contracts, and security if required.
  3. Obtain terms. Align wording with counterparties and, if needed, a confirming bank.
  4. Issue the SBLC. Share the text with the beneficiary. Monitor expiry and amend as needed.
  5. On default, beneficiary presents demand. Bank examines documents and pays if compliant.

Frequently asked questions

Is an SBLC the same as a bank guarantee?

No. SBLCs are letters of credit. A bank guarantee can be accessory or independent depending on law and wording. If you need on-demand behavior, use ISP98 or URDG wording that makes the undertaking independent.

Should an SBLC be issued under ISP98 or UCP600?

Prefer ISP98 for standbys. It handles notices, extend-or-pay, and presentation better. Some counterparties still accept UCP600 for familiarity.

Can an SBLC be discounted to provide cash earlier?

Yes in certain structures. If the SBLC supports invoices or milestones with clear demand mechanics and a strong issuer, banks may provide funding against it or confirm it to enable discounting.

When is confirmation recommended?

When the beneficiary wants a local paying bank risk or when issuer and country risk need a stronger name for payout certainty and pricing.

Request SBLC Indicative Terms

Share the purpose, amount, expiry, draft wording, and your KYC and financials. We will confirm eligibility and pricing bands.

Request Indicative Terms

Financely acts as advisor and arranger on a best efforts basis. We are not a bank. All transactions are subject to KYC and AML, sanctions screening, credit approval, and legal documentation. Nothing here is legal advice, a commitment to lend, or an offer of securities. Terms vary by bank names, jurisdiction, and documentary quality.

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