jwperk1...You are right of course...
The two have nothing in common...
If you are credit worthy, you go to your friendly banker, and sign up for a line of credit...
"Letters of Credt" are a "Commercial Instrument" used for expediting trade, particularly International Trade...
If you want Digital Way to produce 10,000 0-1000's for you, and it is the first time you are dealing with them, they will ask for a "Letter of Credit" to be delivered to them from a reputable Bank, certifying that you are good for a sum certain.
Such instruments are commercial paper. They are negotiable. They are the next best thing to cash, or a Cashier's check.
If you recall, Hi=Tech could not come witha letter of credit to give to Hang-O for the original TREO, and that was why it was not produced.
Regards...Gilgamash...