How to Check Letter of Credit Documents Before Bank Submission
A step-by-step method to check your Letter of Credit documents against the credit before you present them to the bank.
Reviewed by LCCheck team (owner-approved) · 2026-10-12
Short answer
Check Letter of Credit documents in four passes: (1) list every requirement from the credit and accepted amendments, (2) confirm each required document is present with the right originals and copies, (3) check each document against the credit's terms, and (4) compare documents against each other for conflicting data. Do it before the presentation deadline, leaving time for corrections.
| Start from | Credit as issued + accepted amendments |
|---|---|
| Key MT700 fields | 31D, 32B, 39A, 44C, 45A, 46A, 47A, 48 |
| Goal | No conflicting data; every condition met |
Step 1 — Build the requirement list
Read fields 45A (goods), 46A (documents required) and 47A (additional conditions). Write each requirement as a separate line: which document, who issues it, how many originals, and what it must state.
Step 2 — Check completeness
Tick off each required document and count originals and copies. Missing items are the easiest discrepancy to prevent.
Step 3 — Check each document against the credit
- Invoice: issued by the beneficiary, to the applicant, in the credit currency, amount within tolerance, goods description corresponding with 45A.
- Transport document: shipped-on-board date not later than 44C, correct ports (44E/44F), consignee and notify party as required.
- Insurance: issued and dated correctly, covering the required risks and amount.
- Certificates: issued by the required party and stating what the credit asks.
Step 4 — Cross-check documents against each other
Compare quantities, weights, marks, ports, dates and party names across all documents. Data need not be identical but must not conflict.
Step 5 — Check the dates
Confirm presentation is within the period in field 48 (or 21 days after shipment) and before expiry in 31D.
Questions
Can I check documents before shipment?
Yes. Most documents can be drafted and checked before shipment; only the shipment-dependent details need a final check afterwards.
Sources
- ICC — UCP 600 (Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits)
- US International Trade Administration — Letters of Credit
General guidance, not legal advice. Your bank examines documents independently.
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