Export Letters of Credit | HSBC Business

Get paid faster

• Get assurance of payment from your buyer before starting work or shipping an order.
• Access funds immediately after shipment and preparation of required Letter of Credit documentation.
• Receive payment quickly, while minimizing the risk of non-acceptance documents by the Letter of Credit-issuing bank.

The HSBC advantage

• Advising - Once transmitted by the issuing bank, HSBC will advise you of the export Letter of Credit and provide a copy in electronic or original paper format.
• Export bill handling and funding - Your documents can be sent to the Letter of Credit-issuing bank for acceptance and payment. Funds can be advanced after acceptance from the Letter of Credit-issuing bank has been received.
• Document and payment processing under international rules - Trading under Letter of Credit terms helps protect buyers and sellers because document handling is subject to international rules and regulations.
• One Letter of Credit - one bank - If your buyer issues the Letter of Credit through HSBC, you may benefit from faster processing. Should a dispute with your counterparty arise, having the same bank on both sides helps resolve issues quickly, saving you time and cost.

Reduce risk and trade with confidence

By issuing a Letter of Credit, your buyer's bank agrees to pay at a set date upon presentation of export documents that comply with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit. HSBC's superior standards and security measures may also help you mitigate fraud risk.

Track your success with real-time tools through HSBCnet

• Access electronic copies of Export Letters of Credit in real time and email the details to your trade partners to complete the documentation required.
• View the full text of your export Letters of Credit online as soon as they are received and processed by HSBC and track your export bills in real time to monitor acceptance and payment status.
• Instant@dvice - Receive an alert via email when a Letter of Credit or amendment is advised or payment is received.

Related services

• Letter of Credit Confirmation - HSBC can provide exporters with greater peace of mind allowing you to trade in new markets with greater confidence.¹
• Pre-set Exchange Rates and Forward Contracts/Options - Protect your business against future currency fluctuations by fixing an exchange rate upfront.
• Trade Credit Insurance - Provides protection from trade debt losses by ensuring that non-disputed accounts receivable are paid, allowing you to protect cash flows and strengthen your balance sheet.