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Applying for a Letter of Interest

The Letter of Interest (LI) is an indication of Ex-Im Bank's willingness to consider financing a given export transaction. Apply for an LI during the bidding or negotiating stage of an export sale when the following conditions exist:

• You need an indication from Ex-Im Bank on the general eligibility of the transaction participants and the goods and services to be exported.
  
• The repayment terms and other program guidelines in the LI provide you with specific enough guidance for your transaction.
  

An LI is generally issued within seven business days after Ex-Im Bank receives the application. The terms and conditions in the LI are valid for six months. At the request of the applicant, the LI can be renewed at six-month intervals, for up to two years. However, the terms are subject to change. Please note that an LI is not a commitment to finance the transaction or project.

The review of the LI application includes comparing the transaction information to Ex-Im Bank's cover policy and identifying any potential issues that may need to be analyzed in more detail when an AP application is reviewed.

Any responsible party may apply for an LI. The applicant for an LI is usually the U.S. exporter or a financial advisor representing the exporter. A financial advisor acting on behalf of a foreign buyer may also apply for an LI, but the LI will be issued directly to the foreign buyer. A foreign buyer or borrower may also apply. The refundable processing fee for an LI is $100 for a paper or fax application and $50 for an online application. This fee will be refunded if Ex-Im Bank decides not to issue an LI for the proposed transaction.

LIs are not available for credit guarantee facilities or exports of items to be used for nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel research reactors and related facilities. They may also be restricted in other circumstances including, but not limited to; country conditions, economic impact, and excessive transaction or exposure amounts. Ex-Im Bank may request additional information in connection with an LI application, and issuance of a Letter of Interest is at the sole discretion of Ex-Im Bank.

LIs are available for large aircraft transactions on a case-by-case basis (see Attachment A to the LI Application). Contact the Transportation Division (202-565-3550) for information concerning financing of large aircraft and ancillary equipment.

Where to Apply for a Letter of Interest

Ex-Im Bank offers a secure, Internet-based, online Letter of Interest Application. Applicants can submit, save and/or edit a LI application and make a credit card payment online. To apply online, go to the Ex-Im Bank website, www.exim.gov and select "LI Online" from the home page menu.

If you wish to pay by check or money order, complete the LI Application and return the signed original application, the required attachments and a check or money order made payable to the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. to:

Mail To:

Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Attn: LI Applications
811 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20571

If you wish to pay by credit card, complete the LI Application and return the signed application with the required attachments and your credit card information either by mail or by fax to:

Fax To:

Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Attn: LI Applications
Fax: (202-565-3380)

Click To:

Interactive Online LI Application Form