Trade Finance & Documentation
Letter of Credit (LC) Document Checklist Generator
Track every document your Letter of Credit requires, catch missing items before you present to the bank, and print a ready checklist. Mismatched or missing documents are the most common reason for LC discrepancies and payment delay.
This checklist covers commonly required Letter of Credit documents under UCP 600 practice. Always follow the exact document list, wording and tolerances stated in your specific LC — banks examine documents strictly on their face, and even minor mismatches count as discrepancies.
Why LC discrepancies happen
Most discrepancies come from small mismatches — a different spelling of the buyer's name, invoice value not matching the LC amount, late shipment, or a missing signature — rather than missing documents entirely. Cross-checking every document against the LC text before presentation avoids most of these.
What happens if documents are discrepant?
The bank can refuse to honour the LC, refer the discrepancy back to the applicant for waiver, or negotiate documents "under reserve." This can delay payment significantly, so it's best to catch issues before presenting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the categories and presentation rules reflect standard UCP 600 practice for documentary letters of credit, which is the most widely used rulebook for LCs worldwide.
No. The exact document list is always specified in your LC's field 46A (Documents Required). Use this checklist as a general starting framework, then tick off only what your specific LC actually asks for.
Yes, your checklist selections are saved in your browser automatically, so you can come back and continue later on the same device.
Letter of Credit Document Checklist Generator Guide
Prepare a practical LC document checklist and compare shipment documents with the exact terms in a letter of credit.
How to use this tool
- Enter the required values using the same unit, quantity and currency conventions shown by the tool.
- Check the inputs against your commercial or shipment documents before calculating or generating the result.
- Record the assumptions behind the result so the calculation can be reproduced later.
- Verify current rates, tariffs, carrier rules or regulatory requirements with the relevant official source before a binding decision.
Key points for exporters and importers
An LC transaction can fail when a document does not match the stated terms. Compare the beneficiary, applicant, dates, quantities, invoice wording, transport document requirements, certificates and presentation deadlines before shipment.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using outdated rates, tariffs or freight assumptions.
- Mixing units, currencies or net and gross weights.
- Treating an estimate as an official customs, tax, carrier or insurance assessment.
- Failing to state the applicable Incoterm, named place or quotation validity when preparing a trade price.
Important note
This tool is intended for planning and calculation support. Confirm transaction-specific customs, tax, legal, insurance and carrier requirements with the appropriate authority, carrier, bank or qualified professional.