The Usance LC also known as Deferred Payment LC carries with it a predefined and mutually agreed upon contractual credit payment term. The credit term can vary from deal to deal but is typically defined as a period of 60, 90, 120, or 180 days. It is one of the most popular types of LC and is commonly used when the importer and exporter already have a healthy working relationship.
The usance period offers benefits to the importer by providing additional time to sell the goods before the payment is due, which can help in managing cash flow. For the exporter, it offers a firm commitment from the bank that payment will be made after the agreed period, assuming all terms of the letter of credit have been complied with. The bank essentially guarantees payment to the seller, assuming all conditions of the letter of credit have been met, thereby reducing the credit risk associated with the transaction.
BENEFITS OF USANCE LETTER OF CREDIT AT SIGHT
Customers defer payments to improve their cash flow models. This may cause the exporter significant sales in the long run.
A buyer will usually receive their order before they must pay their usance letter of credit. This provides ample time to inspect goods making sure that goods are as per the pre-decided quality standard.