Two letters of credit used consecutively to carry out a financial transaction through a third party are called back-to-back letters of credit.
Back-to-back LoC offers a number of advantages to companies willing to do business overseas. With its help, safe trade is possible with adherence to relevant laws and policies. Companies involved in such trades have to pay a fee to the intermediary for their services as well.
There are no direct transactions between the buyer and seller; instead, they hire a financial broker or a third-party mediator who ensures the smooth payment process. When the deal is confirmed, the buyer’s financer issues an LoC to the third party. The seller then follows the rules of the contract and delivers the product to the buyer. After the successful dispatch, the third party’s financer issues an LoC to the seller, and the seller receives the full payment.
Suppose company A is operating in region A and is looking to buy some raw materials from company B in region B. Company A is hesitant to do business with company B due to a lack of personal understanding and international trading rules. Both companies hire a financial broker from company C. A deal is secured amongst all parties. Company A issues an LoC with company C as a beneficiary. Company B delivers the raw material to Company A following all the contract rules. Then, Company C issues an LoC with Company B as the beneficiary and transfers the agreed amount to their accounts.