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  • Important Announcement

    Dear Customers, We are pleased to inform you that the NBK Headquarters, including all its departments and divisions, will reopen effective Tuesday, 24 March 2026. All banking services are available through our local branch network, as well as our ATM network and electronic banking channels.

  • Corporate Service Center and Cash Services at NBK Headquarters

    In order to better serve our clients, please note that effective tomorrow, Sunday, 15 March 2026, services will be provided from NBK Headquarters as follows: Corporate Service Center - Third Floor (Podium), Cash Services Department - Basement (Podium).

  • Trade Finance Services at NBK Headquarters

    In order to better serve our clients, please note that effective tomorrow, Sunday 15 March 2026, all clients of the Trade Finance Department will be served from NBK Headquarters - Ground Floor. All services will remain available including: Documentary Collections and handling of Letters of Credit, Issuance and processing of Letters of Guarantee.

  • Closure of Some Branches

    As a precautionary measure, the following NBK branches will be temporarily closed until further notice: Kuwait International Airport T4, Kuwait International Airport, and Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS). We will be pleased to serve you at the nearest available branch. All banking services remain available through NBK Self-Service branches, the Call Center, and all electronic channels. Serving you remains our priority. May God protect Kuwait, its Amir, and its people from all harm. Learn More

  • Important Announcement

    Official Statement Regarding Circular No. (2/RB/RBA/2026) Issued to All Kuwaiti Banks. Learn More

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    NBK never asks for your card number, OTP, PIN, CVV or any personal information over the phone, SMS, email, WhatsApp or any similar app. Do not disclose your information to anyone. Learn More

Trade Finance

About

You need the support of knowledgeable trade finance specialists to rely on.

At NBK, Trade Finance gathers a team of talented experts with vast and cumulative experience. This, complemented by the latest technology of world-class standards, is the best solution for importers who are seeking expertise for their Letters of Credit, guarantee and structured trade deals.

Our Trade Finance team's vast experience and knowledge has enabled us to offer a high degree of professionalism. NBK is an excellent venue for traders to structure project finance-based complex letter of credit and Guarantee transactions.

Letters of credit (LC)

A Letter of Credit is a conditional payment mechanism under which the issuing bank irrevocably promises to pay the seller if presented documents comply with all of the Credit’s terms and conditions.

We offer:

  • Irrevocable LC
  • Transferable LC
  • Back-to-Back LC
  • Revolving LC
  • Standby LC
     

Letters of guarantee (LG)

The department is experienced in proactively recommending to clients the best format and method to protect their rights and interest in all guarantee categories such as bid bonds, performance, advance payment, retention, suppliers credit guarantee, contract guarantees and others.

Documentary collection

Documentary Collection is the collection by a bank of funds due from a buyer against the delivery of documents.  The bank has no liability for payment.

Process: The bank, acting as agent for the seller/exporter presents documents to the buyer/importer through the party’s bank and in exchange receives payment of the amount owed, or obtains acceptance of a time draft.

Characteristics of a collection:

  • Simple and inexpensive compared to a letter of credit
  • Often faster receipt of payment than open account
  • Normally the seller remains title to the goods until payment or acceptance
  • Seller must pay for return transportation if not paid for
     

Bill Financing

Reduce your turnaround time, improve your cash flow, and convert your accepted bills to cash at competitive rates for different foreign currencies.

How do I get it?

For more information on how to request any Trade Finance service or document for your business please contact your Business Relationship Officer or you can email enquiries to BB@nbk.com.

Fees & Charges

The commission rate is based upon the risk assumed by collateral and your financial strength.

Other charges may include correspondent bank charges and expenses incurred by relating to the letter of credit such as courier, swift charges, etc.

FAQs

  1. How do I apply for the issuance of an import letter of credit?

    Liaise with your NBK Relationship Officer about your needs. To support the issuance of an import letter of credit, you will have to set up a line of credit. Once approved, complete the application for an irrevocable documentary credit and bring it to your NBK Relationship Officer.

    If you require assistance in completing the application, you may our Trade Finance division.

  2. What is the uniform customs and practice for documentary credits (UCP)?

    The uniform customs and practice for documentary credits (UCP) is a set of recognized and internationally accepted rules for documentary credits published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. These rules are used in the international trade community for determining the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in letters of credit, including standby letters of credit, where the letter of credit expressly stipulates that it is subject to the UCP.

  3. What are the risks to the buyer in an import letter of credit?

    Under an import letter of credit, the bank promises to make payment to the seller against the seller's presentation of pre-specified documents. However, it does not provide the buyer with protection if the seller presents documents that comply with the letter of credit but later prove to be fraudulent. If all appropriate documents are presented to the bank in absence of clear fraud, the bank will not be able to refuse payment should a dispute arise between the buyer and seller.


    To reduce this risk, a buyer should thoroughly investigate prospective sellers. Our Trade finance experts will assist you in compiling this information using public information available from their global contacts.