Irrevocable Letter of Credit - Definition
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at December 6th, 2020
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What is an Irrevocable Letter of Credit?
An irrevocable letter of credit is a financial document from a financial firm that guarantees the buyer's payment obligation to the seller. It is referred to as irrevocable because it cannot be canceled or altered at any time without the agreement of the beneficiary, client, and issuing bank.
An Irrevocable letter of credit is common in the international trade. The document enables traders to do business transactions with confidence because it gives the seller payment assurance. Apart from offering credit risk protection to the seller, the document consists also of other transaction details such as:
- Price of the goods
- Terms of payment
- Delivery time
- Where to deliver the goods
The buyer who initiates this process by requesting an ILOC from his or her bank. The document is then given to the seller, who must comply with the letter of credit to be paid.
Back To: COMMERCIAL LAW: CONTRACTS, PAYMENTS, SECURITY INTERESTS, & BANKRUPTCY
What is a Standby Irrevocable Letter of Credit?
A standby ILOC is held standby in case there is a payment default by the buyer. Companies use this letter of credit when dealing with new customers. It serves as insurance against lack of payment.
Documentary Irrevocable Letter of Credit?
A documentary irrevocable letter of credit is a where the drawee bank promises to make payment to the seller upon presentation of the appropriate documentation. That is the bank is the primary payee - rather than the client (buyer).