How does a documentary letter of credit differ from a standby letter of credit?
The principal difference between a documentary letter of credit and a standby letter of credit is the fact that a documentary is an active payment instrument under which payment is intended if the terms and conditions prescribed by the letter of credit are met, whereas a standby letter of credit is a passive payment instrument under which payment is not intended and will occur only if the standby letter of credit applicant fails to meet its obligations as specified by the standby letter of credit.
• The principal difference between a documentary letter of credit and a standby letter of credit is the fact that a documentary is an active payment instrument under which payment is intended if the terms and conditions prescribed by the letter of credit are met, whereas a standby letter of credit is a passive payment instrument under which payment is not intended and will occur only if the standby letter of credit applicant fails to meet its obligations as specified by the standby letter of credit.