What Are Circular Notes? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A circular note is a formal document issued by a bank that instructs its foreign correspondents to pay a certain amount of money to a specified individual. To receive the payment, the individual must present a letter of indication, which includes the signatures of both a bank official and the named recipient. While circular notes are typically issued in exchange for cash, they can also be returned to the bank for the original amount without being cashed.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A bank in the United States issues a circular note to its correspondent bank in Europe to facilitate a payment of $5,000 to a supplier. The supplier presents the circular note along with the required letter of indication to receive the funds.

Example 2: A business owner decides not to cash the circular note but returns it to the issuing bank, requesting the original amount instead. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Circular Note A bank document instructing payment to a specified individual. Used for international transactions.
Bank Draft A payment instrument issued by a bank, guaranteeing payment. Typically used for domestic transactions and is not always linked to a specific individual.
Letter of Credit A document from a bank guaranteeing payment to a seller. More complex and often used in international trade, involving multiple parties.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a transaction that requires a circular note, ensure you have the necessary documentation, including the letter of indication. If you need assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you manage the process. If your situation is complex, it may be wise to consult a legal professional for tailored advice.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A circular note is a bank document that instructs payment to a specific individual, often used in international transactions.