Bankers Drafts and Commercial Bills
While it is true that bankers drafts and commercial bills have similarities, the two types of monetary instruments are quite different. Both of these instruments are used to facilitate transactions, but the security and legislation surrounding their respective uses are quite distinct from each other.
Banker’s drafts, also referred to as cashier’s cheques, are known to be guaranteed funds from a financial institution. Unlike regular cheques, these drafts are drawn on the bank’s own funds and not the funds of the purchaser. Because of this, there is no need to worry about the financial standing of the consumer when making a purchase. Banker’s drafts are made by banks, building societies and certain credit unions. A banker’s draft is not an instant money transfer, and typically requires multiple days for completion.
Commercial bills, on the other hand, are an international form of payment. These are primarily used by large companies and are more formally recognized than other payment systems. Commercial bills are typically used in the export/import business, and can be used within a certain geographical location. Unlike banker’s drafts, commercial bills are accepted as final payment and cleared by banks without involving the purchaser’s financial information. One of the key characteristics of commercial bills is that the paying party is able to redirect the payment in the event that the payee is unable or unwilling to accept it.
Additionally, the security surrounding both of these instruments is quite distinct. Banker’s drafts are nearly as secure as cash and are difficult to counterfeit. Furthermore, these drafts take several days to clear, so in the event of a dispute between the parties, the bank can reverse the transaction and return the funds. Commercial bills, on the other hand, are protected from counterfeiting through special agreements and legislation. Additionally, commercial bills cannot be reversed and parties must come to an agreement in order to settle their differences.
While banker’s drafts and commercial bills are similar in the sense that they are both secure financial instruments, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each. Understanding the specifics of how each instrument works is essential when looking to secure the safest form of payment in various situations.