Letter Of Credit

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Letter Of Credit'

A letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In the event that the buyer is unable to make payment on the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Letter Of Credit'

Letters of credit are often used in international transactions to ensure that payment will be received. Due to the nature of international dealings including factors such as distance, differing laws in each country and difficulty in knowing each party personally, the use of letters of credit has become a very important aspect of international trade. The bank also acts on behalf of the buyer (holder of letter of credit) by ensuring that the supplier will not be paid until the bank receives a confirmation that the goods have been shipped. 

Related Definitions

  • Irrevocable Letter Of Credit - ILOC

    A letter of credit that can't be canceled. This guarantees that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount.
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  • Sight Letter Of Credit

    A letter of credit that is payable once it is presented along with the necessary documents. An organization offering a sight letter of credit commits itself to paying the agreed amount ...
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  • Standby Letter of Credit - SLOC

    A guarantee of payment issued by a bank on behalf of a client that is used as "payment of last resort" should the client fail to fulfill a contractual commitment with a third party. ...
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    • Trade Finance

      The science that describes the management of money, banking, credit, investments and assets for international trade transactions.
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    • Cashier's Check

      A check written by a financial institution on its own funds. It is then signed by a representative of the financial institution and made payable to a third party. A customers who ...
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    • Red Clause Letter Of Credit

      A specific type of letter of credit in which a buyer extends an unsecured loan to a seller. Red Clause Letters of Credit permit documentary credit beneficiaries to receive funds for any ...
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    • Demand Guarantee

      A type of protection that one party in a transaction can impose on another party in the event that the second party does not perform according to predefined specifications. In the event ...
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    • Uniform Rules For Demand Guarantees - URDG

      A set of rules developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and adopted in 1992. URDG provides a framework for harmonizing international trading practices and establishes ...
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    • Letter Of Guarantee

      1. A type of contract issued by a bank on behalf of a customer who has entered a contract to purchase goods from a supplier and promises to meet any financial obligations to the supplier ...
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    • Leased Bank Guarantee

      A bank guarantee that is leased to a third party for a specific fee. The issuing bank will conduct due diligence on the creditworthiness of the customer looking to secure a bank ...
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