Free Proof of Funds (POF) Template
The bank-issued Proof of Funds format sellers actually accept. Not a screenshot, not a self-declaration | an authenticated bank statement with a verification clause.
What this template includes
This Proof of Funds template includes: Issuing bank, Statement of funds, Purpose, Validity and verification.
| Clause | What it does | Why it protects you |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Bank name, branch, SWIFT/BIC and issuing officer contact for verification. | Makes the letter traceable to a real bank officer. |
| Statement of funds | Confirms the client holds cleared, unencumbered and freely transferable funds of a stated amount. | Distinguishes real available funds from pledged or blocked balances. |
| Purpose | Funds earmarked for a named commodity, quantity and SPA reference. | Ties the funds to this deal rather than a generic balance letter. |
| Validity and verification | Valid for a stated number of banking days and subject to bank-to-bank verification. | Prevents old or forged letters from being reused. |
Clause summaries are drafting guidance, not legal advice. Have the final document reviewed under its governing law.
What this document is, and is not
This POF is a commercial drafting template that records what the parties intend or have agreed at one stage of a deal. It is not a bank instrument, not proof of product or funds, and not a substitute for qualified legal counsel in the governing-law jurisdiction.
Typical deal sequence: CIS → LOI or ICPO → SCO/FCO → SPA → LC/SBLC.
Next steps: price the payment instrument with the LC Cost Calculator, agree the delivery term with the Incoterms 2020 cost and risk split, and prepare documents with the LC documents checklist. Background: letter of credit guide.
A Proof of Funds (POF) confirms the buyer holds cleared, unencumbered and freely transferable funds sufficient for the transaction. Serious sellers require it to be issued on bank letterhead, dated within 30 days, and cleared through bank-to-bank verification rather than emailed PDF alone.
This template captures issuing bank identity (name, branch, SWIFT/BIC, officer coordinates), the statement of funds, the purpose (naming commodity, quantity and SPA reference) and a validity window subject to bank-to-bank verification.
The DOCX is a request letter your bank can adapt on letterhead; the PDF is a print-ready sample.
Numerical Example: POF Utilization
Typical application of the POF in a standard bulk commodity transaction. Use TradeDox Pro for auto-drafting LC-compatible clauses.
What's inside
- Bank-issued: not a screenshot, not a self-declaration.
- Dated within 30 days for a serious seller to accept it.
- Confirms funds are 'unencumbered' and 'freely transferable'.
- Cleared through bank-to-bank verification, not just email PDF.
Document preview
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download a free Proof of Funds template?
This page provides a free POF template in Word (DOCX) and PDF format. Sign in to unlock the DOCX; the PDF preview is public.
Can a POF be self-issued?
No for serious commodity trades. POF must be issued by the buyer's bank on letterhead with signatory coordinates. Self-issued POFs are routinely rejected.
How recent must the POF be?
Typically dated within 30 days. Older POFs suggest the funds may have moved. Some sellers require refreshed POFs every 14 days during long-dated procedures.
POF vs RWA letter | what's the difference?
POF confirms funds are held; RWA (Ready, Willing and Able) confirms the bank commits to issuing a specific payment instrument (LC, SBLC, MT760). Sellers typically want both.
Should the POF name the specific transaction?
Yes when possible. Naming the commodity, quantity and SPA reference tightens the POF and reduces seller pushback. Some banks issue a generic POF; if so, pair it with the RWA letter.