Payment Voucher

A Payment Voucher is an internal or external document used in foreign trade to record a payment transaction and serve as a bookkeeping basis. It is usually prepared by the payer to prove that funds have been paid or authorized for payment. It is not a standard term under the ICC's Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP) or Incoterms, but is a commonly used document in corporate finance and trade operations. Use cases include: preparing a payment voucher for internal write-off after a telegraphic transfer (T/T), a bank-issued payment receipt after document presentation under a letter of credit, or a transaction record generated after payment through a third-party payment platform. Note: A payment voucher itself does not have mandatory legal effect and must be matched with contracts, invoices, bills of lading, etc.; a bank slip is a type of payment voucher, but payment vouchers have a broader scope and may include internal bookkeeping vouchers. The difference from a Payment Advice is that a payment voucher proves payment has been made, while a payment advice only informs that payment will be made or has been initiated. The difference from a Receipt is that a receipt is issued by the payee, while a payment voucher may be issued by the payer or the bank. Foreign trade practitioners should ensure that the amount, currency, payee, and date on the payment voucher are consistent with the contract, and keep it properly for tax and foreign exchange verification.