Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A standby letter of credit is a type of letter of credit that serves as a guarantee for a monetary or non-monetary obligation. It is issued by a bank at the request of a customer, and it promises to pay a beneficiary if the customer fails to fulfill their obligation. The standby letter of credit is governed by Article 5 of the UCC.
For example, a construction company may request a standby letter of credit from their bank to guarantee their performance on a project. If the company fails to complete the project, the bank will pay the beneficiary (such as the project owner) the amount specified in the letter of credit.
Another example is a standby letter of credit used in international trade. A seller may request a standby letter of credit from the buyer's bank to ensure payment for goods shipped. If the buyer fails to pay, the seller can draw on the letter of credit.