In international procurement and global trade, selecting the right payment term is one of the most important decisions for both buyers and suppliers. Payment terms determine when and how money will be transferred, who bears the financial risk, and how secure the transaction will be.

Whether you are importing industrial equipment, electrical components, raw materials, or finished products, understanding international payment methods is essential for successful procurement operations.

In this guide, we will explain the most commonly used international payment terms including Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Letter of Credit (LC), Documents Against Payment (DP), Documents Against Acceptance (DA), and Cash Against Documents (CAD), along with their advantages, disadvantages, and practical applications.

Incoterms® — short for International Commercial Terms — are a set of standardised, globally recognised rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities, risks, and costs shared between a buyer (importer) and a seller (exporter) in the transportation and delivery of goods.