Line Of Business:

What Is Bill Of Exchange?

Bill of exchange can be described as a written and unconditional order that is generally used in international trade. It is a negotiable instrument issued by an exporter or a seller, and is usually addressed to an importer or a buyer. The bill of exchange comes in handy for importers and exporters to facilitate hassle-free transactions. 

Ideally, there are three parties involved in a bill of exchange set-up, namely –

1. Drawee: It is the party who is required to pay
2. Payee: He/she who receives the amount paid
3. Drawer: It is the party who obliges the drawee to repay the payee

Generally, the drawee and payee are the same, if the drawer does not transfer the bill of exchange in question to a third-party.

Such an order directs one party to pay a specified due to another party at agreed terms, either on-demand or on a pre-specified date. The fact that the bill of exchange does not accrue interest, makes it a post-dated check in terms of essence. However, they may accrue interest in case of failure to meet the payment deadline. 

It must be noted that a bill of exchange is not a contract. However, the concerned parties can use it to specify the terms and conditions of a transaction. For instance, bills of exchange can establish terms related to the rate of interest and credit, among others.

Elements Of Bills Of Exchange:

These following are some elements of a bill of exchange –

• It must be in writing and should have the signature of the drawer.
• It must contain an unconditional pay order.
• The amount in question must be specified.
• Payment must be made in a legal tender currency.
• It must be stamped appropriately.
• It specifies the date by which the stipulated amount must be paid to the creditor.
• The amount in question must be paid to a specific person or as per his/her order.

It must be noted that a bill of exchange is payable on demand or after a given period. Regardless, only the Government of India and the RBI can draw a bill payable based on demand. 

Classification Of Bill Of Exchange:

Bill of exchange is classified based on – place, time, document and payment.

• Based On Place

• Inland bill 
• Foreign bill

• Based On Time

• Sight or demand bill
• Usance or time bill 

• Based On Documents

• Bill against payment
• Bill against acceptance

• Based On Payment

• Accommodation bill
• Trade bill
• Bank bill

Functions Of Bill Of Exchange: 

These pointers below elucidate the distinct functions of this instrument and help to understand how bill of exchange works - 

• It serves as formal evidence for the seller regarding the outstanding payment.
• The instrument extends trade credit in a lawful format by ensuring payment on specific dates.
• Allows sellers to transfer their debt to a financier by endorsing the bills in question to them.
• It comes in handy for the financiers and enables them to retain a claim on both buyer and seller.

Other than these, businesses can use their bills of exchange to access funds from KredX within 24 - 72 hours, by availing our bill discounting services. Doing so, individuals can raise substantial funds against their bills and can strengthen their current working capital

Sign Up Now to Check Your Eligibility for Bill Discounting Services

It can be said that a bill of exchange proves useful in more ways than one. The fact it helps to combat the risks associated with exports make it a viable instrument for both the importers and exporters. Regardless, to make the most of its benefits, individuals need to become familiar with its terms of usage.