How Documentary Credits Work

What is a Documentary Credit?

In basic terms, a Documentary Credit (DC) is an undertaking by a bank to make payment, provided the terms of the DC are met. There are several types of DC – the main difference is that some are more suited to transactions involving middlemen or traders.

Revocable or irrevocable?

DCs can be irrevocable or revocable. With a revocable DC, the buyer can change or cancel it after issuance. You should always insist on an irrevocable DC so that it can’t be cancelled without your consent.

Trade Finance

An export DC makes it easier to obtain pre-shipment finance in the form of a packing credit, or post-shipment finance where the documents under the DC are negotiated.

3 reasons for HSBC to issue a DC to you

1. Our trade specialists will ensure that your DCs are as free from discrepancies as possible
   
2. We will email or fax a copy of the DC to you for reference
   
3. We can hold the DC in safe custody for you

Different types of DC

• Import DC
  
• Transferable DC
  
• Back-to-back DC
  
• Standby DC
  
• Transferred DC

Which DC is right for you?

• DC Comparison Table

Other useful information and services

• Shipping Guarantee
• DC Advising
• DC Safe Custody
• Instant@dvice
• Trade Finance
• Marine Cargo Insurance