01 / PAYMENT FIRST
Cash in advance
Buyer pays before shipment. Seller receives funds first; buyer carries delivery exposure.
WatchBuyer's upfront risk and bargaining position.
WTE Bank / Tools
TRADE PAYMENT METHOD FINDER
Find a payment method that fits your trade.
Answer a few clear questions about your buyer, seller and payment timing. See which trade payment methods are worth discussing first and what each side needs to watch.
TRADE ROUTE / PAYMENT STRUCTURESCENARIO MODEL
GOODS & DOCUMENTSPAYMENT & RELEASE CONDITIONS
BuyerIMPORTER
Bank / holderMETHOD DEPENDENT
SellerEXPORTER
01 / SECURITYPayment risk
02 / TIMINGCash movement
03 / CONTROLDocuments
FIVE METHODS · ONE TRANSACTIONNO LIVE BANK OFFER IMPLIED
The deal behind the method
Trade confidence starts with the terms.
Tell us how the buyer and seller know each other, when payment is expected, and what matters most. The finder changes its starting points as you edit the transaction.
Tell us about the trade.
01 / INPUTSWhich side are you on?
Relationship & transaction
Context only; no pricing is calculated.
What matters most?
When is payment intended?
Change any answer and the shortlist will update.
YOUR TRADE PAYMENT OUTCOME
02 / 02A starting point for your next conversation.
BASED ON YOUR ANSWERS
Review the suggested route.The method shown above is a place to begin comparing terms with the other party and a trade specialist.
First to discuss—
Also compare—
PREPARE BEFORE YOU AGREE
Confirm the deal terms.
Ask for the documents, fees and release conditions that apply to your transaction.
01 Check the counterparty and country02 Agree payment and delivery triggers03 Confirm the bank's actual terms
Explore trade services ↗The shortlist is a planning aid. It does not confirm product availability, bank participation, a guarantee, credit approval, or legal suitability for your transaction.
Five routes through a trade
See the exchange clearly.
Each method shifts exposure, timing and administrative work. The highlighted cards track the two starting points in your current scenario.
02 / DOCUMENTARY PROMISE
Letter of credit
A bank's undertaking to pay against documents that comply with the credit's terms.
WatchDocument precision, fees and processing time.
03 / DOCUMENT EXCHANGE
Documentary collection
Banks handle documents in exchange for payment or acceptance, without a payment guarantee.
WatchBuyer refusal and country / counterparty risk.
04 / PAYMENT LATER
Open account
Seller ships first; buyer pays later on agreed terms such as 30, 60 or 90 days.
WatchSeller receivables exposure; assess credit protection.
05 / CONDITIONAL RELEASE
Escrow
A third party holds funds until agreed, verifiable release conditions are met.
WatchRelease criteria, provider terms and jurisdiction.
Method descriptions and comparison framework: U.S. International Trade Administration, Methods of Payment, including its guidance on letters of credit, documentary collections, open account, cash in advance, and escrow. Rule-based comparison for exploration only. The finder does not check legal requirements, counterparty credit, bank eligibility, actual availability, fees, or transaction suitability.