Master Letters of Credit – Get Paid Faster, Reduce Risk and Avoid Costly Errors
In international trade, how you get paid is just as important as what you sell. Choosing the wrong payment method — or mishandling a Letter of Credit — can lead to delayed payments, additional costs and unnecessary financial risk.
Letters of Credit remain one of the most widely used tools to manage risk in global trade, providing payment security when trading with new or overseas customers.
This practical course provides clear, step-by-step guidance on methods of payment and Documentary Letters of Credit, helping you understand how they work, how to avoid common errors and how to ensure you get paid on time.
What You Will Learn
This course provides a structured and practical understanding of international trade payment methods, with a strong focus on Letters of Credit and how to apply them effectively in real-world transactions.
You will learn:
Understanding Methods of Payment in International Trade
- The 5 main types of payment, from advance payment to open account
- The level of risk associated with each method
- How to choose the most appropriate payment method for your business
- The role of banks and intermediaries in international transactions
Documentary Collections and Trade Finance Basics
- How Documentary Collections work in practice
- The role of Bills of Exchange with and without documents
- Understanding foreign currency considerations and risks
- How payment methods impact cash flow and working capital
Introduction to Letters of Credit
- What a Letter of Credit is and how it works
- The different types of Documentary Letters of Credit
- Key terminology and roles within a Letter of Credit transaction
- The role of UCP 600 and international banking rules
Managing Letters of Credit in Practice
- Letter of Credit administration, procedures and documentation
- Understanding content, terms and conditions
- How to ensure documents comply with credit requirements
- Common discrepancies and how to avoid them
Reducing Risk and Avoiding Costly Errors
- What can go wrong with Letters of Credit
- Why presentations to banks are often rejected
- How to reduce delays and additional costs
- Best practice for successful payment outcomes
Why This Course Matters
Methods of payment directly impact your cash flow, risk exposure and ability to trade confidently in international markets.
Getting it wrong can result in:
- Delayed or rejected payments
- Additional banking and administrative costs
- Disputes with customers or banks
- Pressure on cash flow and working capital
With a high percentage of first presentations under Letters of Credit being rejected, understanding how to structure and manage them correctly is essential.
This course will help you:
- Improve confidence in managing trade payments
- Reduce the risk of discrepancies and delays
- Strengthen cash flow and financial control
- Apply Letters of Credit more effectively in practice
- Support smoother, more secure international transactions
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for anyone involved in international trade, including:
- Export and import documentation teams
- Finance and credit control professionals
- Shipping, logistics and operations staff
- Sales teams managing international contracts
- Business owners and managers responsible for trade compliance and risk
It is suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh or strengthen their existing knowledge.
Ensure your business avoids costly errors, improves compliance and gets paid on time. Book your place today and gain the confidence to manage Letters of Credit effectively.
Event Information
Date: 29 April 2026
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Cost: Discounted rate £392 +VAT* | Full price £412 +VAT
*Discounted prices are available exclusively to Chamber members with the International Bundle subscription.
Click here to enquire about membership.
Click here to see our booking terms and conditions.
Refund Policy - Refunds up to 7 days before the event. Eventbrite's 5% processing fee is non-refundable.
