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Bank guarantee vs Letter of credit: What’s the difference?

Bank guarantee and letter of credit are two crucial documents used when exporting from India. Learn more about the key differences between them in this blog.

In the world of international trade and exports, two financial instruments stand out as critical for ensuring smooth transactions: bank guarantee and letter of credit. These tools are pivotal in mitigating risks, ensuring trust, and facilitating trade between parties who may not have established business relationships. Understanding the nuances of a bank guarantee vs letter of credit is essential for exporters, especially in a dynamic and competitive environment. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these instruments, their types, and their importance in the global trade ecosystem.

What is a bank guarantee?

A bank guarantee represents a promise from a lending institution that the liabilities of a debtor will be met in the event that the debtor fails to fulfill contractual obligations. It serves as a safety net, assuring the beneficiary that the bank will cover any losses if the debtor cannot complete the transaction.¹

Types of bank guarantees

Bank guarantees come in various forms, each tailored to specific situations in trade. These are as follows:

Performance guarantee:

This type of guarantee is crucial in contracts, where it serves as an assurance that the party involved will fulfill their performance obligations. If they fail to do so, the bank covers the losses.

Advance payment guarantee:

Often used in transactions involving upfront payments, this guarantee ensures the return of the advance payment if the supplier does not deliver the goods or services as agreed.

Financial guarantee:

This broader form of guarantee is used to ensure the payment of a specific financial amount, offering a safety net in financial transactions.

Bid bond guarantee:

Crucial in tender and bidding processes, a bid bond guarantee is a sign of the bidder's commitment and capability to fulfill the contract if awarded.

Foreign exchange guarantees:

These are specialized guarantees used in international trade, specifically in transactions involving currency exchange, to safeguard against losses due to currency fluctuations.

Credit guarantee:

Aimed at facilitating business loans and credit, these guarantees assure lenders of repayment, thereby encouraging them to extend credit to businesses.

Defect liability guarantee:

Also known as a warranty guarantee, this covers any defects that may arise after completion of a project or delivery of goods.

Need of a bank guarantee in export

Bank guarantees are significant for the following reasons:

Mitigates risk:

Export transactions inherently carry risks due to distance, different legal systems, and potential communication barriers. A bank guarantee mitigates these risks by assuring the seller that they will be compensated if the buyer fails to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Enhances credibility:

A bank guarantee acts as evidence of credibility, which is especially valuable for exporters who are new to international markets or dealing with unknown buyers. It assures buyers that a reputable financial institution backs the exporter's commitments.

Facilitates trade finance:

Many export transactions require substantial upfront investment for production and logistics. Bank guarantees ease the process of obtaining finances, as lenders are more willing to provide funds when risks are mitigated.

Overcomes trust barriers:

In international trade, where personal interactions are limited, a bank guarantee acts as a bridge of trust, assuring both parties of commitment and financial integrity.

Ensures compliance with contractual obligations:

A bank guarantee is a mandatory requirement in many international contracts. It ensures compliance with contractual norms and signals professionalism and reliability.

Cushions against political and economic fluctuations:

Export markets are often vulnerable to political and economic changes. Bank guarantees provide a safety net against such uncertainties, ensuring that the exporter is safeguarded against unforeseen events that might affect the buyer's ability to fulfill their obligations.

Difference between letter of guarantee vs letter of credit (LC vs BG)

The choice between a bank guarantee vs letter of credit depends largely on the transaction's nature and the parties' specific needs. While both bank guarantees and letters of credit are financial tools used in international trade, they serve different purposes and have distinct operational mechanisms:³
• Nature of guarantee: A bank guarantee provides a safety net for losses, whereas a letter of credit assures payment upon fulfilling specific conditions.
• Usage: Bank guarantees are often used in contracts as a performance safety, whereas letters of credit are primarily used in trade finance to ensure payment for goods.
• Risk mitigation: Letters of credit are more focused on mitigating payment risks, while bank guarantees cover broader contractual risks.

The distinction between letter of guarantee vs letter of credit is more than a mere technicality in financial documentation; it reflects a deeper evolution in the international trade ecosystem. As global commerce becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the need for secure and efficient trade mechanisms is greater than ever before. Financial instruments like bank guarantees and letters of credit are pivotal in fostering an environment of trust and reliability, essential in international trade relations.

From an industry perspective, the strategic use of bank guarantees and letters of credit is reshaping how exporters and importers manage risks and conduct business. They are not just tools for transactional security; they are catalysts in creating more dynamic, responsive, and resilient trade networks. In e-commerce exports, the strategic utilization of these instruments can facilitate seamless transactions and instill confidence among parties.

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If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your exports journey – documents and licenses, logistics, payments, advertising, and more.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a bank guarantee?

Eligibility for a bank guarantee typically includes businesses, including corporations and sole proprietors, with good credit history and financial health.

What is the minimum period for a bank guarantee?

The minimum period of a bank guarantee varies depending on the agreement between the bank and the applicant. Generally, it could be:
• Short-term guarantees: As brief as a few months for specific, short-term contracts or transactions.
• Project-specific duration: Aligned with the timeline of a particular project or contract.

What are the advantages of bank guarantee?

The advantages of a bank guarantee include:
• Reduces the risk of financial loss due to non-fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Boosts the business’s credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of partners and clients.
• Improves financial flexibility
• Access to new opportunities
• Particularly beneficial in cross-border transactions where there is less familiarity and higher perceived risk.

Published on April 8, 2024.

Sources:
1. https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/letters-of-credit/difference-between-lcs-and-bank-guarantees/
2. https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/finfirst-blogs/finance/letter-of-credit-vs-bank-guarantee
3. https://cleartax.in/s/bank-guarantee

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.

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