How to Apply for Ex-Im Bank Financing

Ex-Im Bank Application Process:

Export Credit Insurance (Eligible Applicants: U.S Exporters and Financial Institutions)
The following are the required steps to obtain an Export Credit Insurance policy: 

1)  U.S. exporter and international buyer negotiate a sales contract; 

2)  International buyer supplies the U.S. exporter with financial information, as required by Ex-Im Bank’s credit standards);

3)  U.S. exporter submits insurance application to Ex-Im Bank, which includes requisite financial information received from the buyer.

The Export-Import Bank encourages the use of a specialist insurance broker for exporters who are interested in export credit insurance. Brokers provide a number of valuable services to existing and prospective policyholders. Brokers receive their compensation from commissions paid by Ex-Im Bank -- there is no additional charge to the U.S. exporter. To find a specialty broker in your region, use our Active Brokers List.

Working Capital Guarantees (Eligible Applicants: U.S. Exporters)
An exporter may apply through a lender participating in  Ex-Im Bank’s Working Capital guarantee program. Most lenders that have established a working relationship with Ex-Im Bank have been granted discretionary pre-approved credit authority known as delegated authority. A delegated authority lender may process your working capital loan under established criteria without pre-approval from Ex-Im Bank. No waiting, no red tape! To find a lender that will finance your export sales, download the Delegated Authority Lenders list.

Commercial Loan Guarantees (Eligible Applicants: Financial Institutions)
There are three simple steps to approaching Ex-Im Bank: 

2)  International buyer and/or U.S. exporter identify a financing institution to provide the loan (commonly a U.S. bank, but foreign banks willing to lend U.S. dollars can also apply);

3)  Lending institution submits final application to Ex-Im Bank for review and approval. See list of African Banks with an Ex-Im Bank Master Guarantee Agreement (MGA) (pdf).

Letter of Interest (Eligible Applicants: Anyone)
To initiate financing discussions with lending institutions or to complement financing proposals for competitive bids, U.S exporters and importers can obtain an Ex-Im Bank Letter of Interest (LI) to assist in negotiations for medium- and long-term transactions. The LI indicates the Bank's willingness to consider a financing offer if sale is completed. An LI can be issued within seven days of a request for financing and remains in effect for six months.

How do I find a bank that offers in Ex-Im Bank products?
Ex-Im Bank will provide you with a list of commercial institutions active under Ex-Im Bank's guarantee and insurance products. Get the Lender Referral List (pdf).

There are a limited number of banks that have expressed interest or are experienced in working with Ex-Im Bank in Africa. Download the contact information for U.S. Lenders Experienced in Africa (pdf).