29/08/2026
π STEP 26 β COMMON LC / BANK CHARGES π³π¦
In Letter of Credit (LC) Transactions ππ’
Understanding LC and banking charges is essential for every importer and exporter. Banks may charge different fees for LC issuance, advising, confirmation, amendments, document examination, payment/negotiation, SWIFT messages, courier services, and other banking services. πΌπ°
π΅ Typical LC Charges
πΉ LC Issuance Commission: Usually charged by the issuing bank to open the LC.
πΉ LC Advising Commission: Charged by the advising bank for advising the LC to the exporter.
πΉ LC Confirmation Commission: Applicable when the LC is confirmed by another bank.
πΉ Amendment Charges: Applied whenever changes or amendments are made to the LC.
πΉ Document Examination Charges: Fees for checking shipping and export documents.
πΉ Payment / Negotiation Charges: Charged for processing and negotiating documents.
πΉ SWIFT Charges: Fees for sending LC-related SWIFT messages. π
πΉ Courier / Postal Charges: For sending original documents. π¦βοΈ
πΉ Other Bank Charges: May include cable, telex, handling, or miscellaneous charges.
π Practical Example
For an LC of USD 100,000, total banking and related charges can vary depending on the bank, country, LC terms, and transaction complexity. π΅
β οΈ Important: LC charges are indicative and can differ from bank to bank. Always request a complete schedule of charges from your bank before opening an LC. β
π€ Who Pays?
Importer: Usually pays LC issuance, amendments, SWIFT and other applicable issuing-bank charges.
Exporter: May pay advising, document examination, negotiation/payment and other receiving-bank charges, depending on the LC terms. π€
π Key Takeaway
LC / Bank Charges are a normal part of international trade. ππ’
Knowing these costs in advance helps you plan your import/export budget, avoid unexpected expenses, and ensure smooth transactions. πΌβ
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