(1) The letter of credit must be "clean", irrevocable and unconditional. By "clean" and unconditional, it is meant that the letter of credit stipulates that the beneficiary need only draw a sight draft under the letter of credit and present it to obtain funds and that no other document need be presented.
How to Apply for a Letter of Credit. The exporter and their bank must be satisfied with the creditworthiness of the importer's bank. Once the Sales Agreement is completed, the importer applies to their bank to open a Letter of Credit in favor of the exporter.
How to Write a Letter of Credit Prepare the letter of credit documents, including the credit application, bank instructions, and the credit agreement. Make sure all documents are signed, dated, and include all necessary information. Submit documents to the issuing bank. Confirm that the bank has accepted the documents.
A letter of credit includes terminology similar to “documents must be presented within 10 days after the bill of lading date but within the validity of the letter of credit.” For example, if the shipment took place on January 1, documents must be presented no later than January 11 or the expiration date if earlier.