Bank guarantees are not limited to business customers; individuals can apply for them as well. However, businesses do receive the vast majority of guarantees. In most cases, bank guarantees are not particularly difficult to obtain.

To request a guarantee at ABC Capital Bank, the account holder contacts the bank and fills out an application that identifies the amount of and reasons for the guarantee. Requirements for Bank Guarantee 

How Bank Guarantees Work and Who Uses Them

Bank guarantees are often part of arrangements between a small firm and a large organization—public or private. The larger organization wants protection against counterparty risk, so it requires that the smaller party receive a bank guarantee in advance of work. A variety of parties can use bank guarantees for many reasons:

• Assure a seller that a purchase price will be paid on a specific date.
• Function as collateral for reimbursing advance payment from a buyer if the seller does not supply the specified goods per the contract.
• A credit security bond that serves as collateral for repaying a loan.
• Rental guarantee that serves as collateral for rental agreement payments.
• A confirmed payment order is an irrevocable obligation, in which a bank pays the beneficiary a set amount on a given date on the client’s behalf.
• Performance bond that serves as collateral for the buyer’s costs incurred if services or goods are not provided as contractually agreed.
• Warranty bond that functions as collateral, ensuring ordered goods are delivered, as agreed.