DOC
Document compliance
Payment does not move until bills of lading, invoices, and inspection certificates match the LC terms.
Digital letter of credit
Structured cross-border payment tied to trade documents
Trustners digital LCs hold payment in escrow until exporters present compliant documents — giving importers shipment protection and sellers payment certainty on international trade.
Documentary
Release tied to verified trade documents
Cross-border
Built for importer and exporter workflows
Conditional
Payment only when LC terms are met
Auditable
Full transaction record on one file
Trade payment model
Buyers fund. Sellers ship. Payment follows the LC.
A digital letter of credit gives both sides a structured payment path — the buyer commits funds against documented terms, and the seller receives payment only when those terms are satisfied.
Buyer / importer
Fund the LC with agreed terms, review shipment documents, and authorize release when conditions are met.
Seller / exporter
Ship goods, submit required documents, and receive payment once compliance is verified against the LC terms.
LC-9041
Digital LC file
LC amount
$420,000
Release
Bill of lading + inspection passed
Importer · Exporter · Escrow
LC lifecycle
From issuance to settlement
Four defined stages keep cross-border payment aligned to the letter of credit — not to informal updates between parties.
- 1
Issue the LC
Buyer and seller agree on amount, documents required, shipment terms, and release conditions before funds are committed.
- 2
Fund and hold
The LC amount is deposited into escrow and held separately while the exporter prepares and ships goods.
- 3
Present documents
Exporter submits bills of lading, invoices, inspection certificates, and other required documents for review.
- 4
Settle or reject
If documents comply, funds release to the exporter. If not, parties resolve discrepancies per the LC terms.
Applications
Where digital LCs apply
Structured payment protection for the trade scenarios where shipment and settlement must stay aligned.
Import / export goods
Protect importers paying for goods they have not received, and exporters shipping before payment is guaranteed. The LC holds funds until documents confirm delivery terms.
Equipment and machinery
Structure payment for high-value equipment purchases across borders. Release follows inspection certificates, shipping documents, and installation milestones defined in the LC.
Commodity transactions
Hold payment for bulk commodity trades until bills of lading, quality certificates, and quantity verification meet the agreed LC conditions.
Payment assurance
Controls behind every LC
Cross-border trade breaks down when payment logic, document requirements, and release authority are unclear. These controls keep the LC enforceable.
FUND
Segregated funds
LC proceeds stay in escrow — separate from importer or exporter operating accounts until settlement.
REL
Conditional release
Disbursement follows the signed LC, including delivery windows, inspection outcomes, and documentary requirements.
VIS
Cross-border visibility
Importer, exporter, and trade advisors work from one file through document review and settlement.
DISP
Dispute protection
Funds remain held while document discrepancies are reviewed against the LC before any payout or return.
FAQ
Digital letter of credit, explained
Common questions from importers, exporters, and trade teams setting up structured cross-border payment.
Set up a digital letter of credit
Speak with our team about structured cross-border payment, documentary compliance, and conditional release for your next trade transaction.
