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RBS TradeFlow
An efficient, automated trade- banking service
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RBS TradeFlow™
Importing and exporting across international borders can be time consuming and complicated. TradeFlow is a free to access, secure web-based tool that is simple to use and makes it easier to arrange and receive advice of your trade finance for imports or exports. Create, Amend and view your Letters of Credit (including Standby Letters of Credit), Collections, Bonds and Guarantees instantly online, and keep track of your transactions via the web.
Easy administration
Track the progress of all your transactions in one place and opt-in to receive e-mail alerts updating you on the progress of your transactions, e.g. the payment of an Export Letter of Credit. TradeFlow removes the need for faxes, you can even view discrepancies against a Letter of Credit and respond online.
Adaptable
Create custom templates and a 'library' of your most commonly used phrases using TradeFlow so you don’t have to re-key information. You can control individual access rights including appropriate authority and approval levels for each individual.
Process in real-time
Once you authorise an application for trade finance via TradeFlow, e.g. Import Letter of Credit, it's immediately in our hands without the need for faxes or waiting for the post. TradeFlow will also update you the moment we receive confirmation of trade finance in your favour, such as an Export Letter of Credit from one of your customers. This means less paperwork and less downtime.
Online and secure
Use TradeFlow anywhere you have an internet connection, anytime. There's no need for any special software or training, and it's secure.
Helping your business to trade
TradeFlow isn't just a tool; it can also be a useful resource for your business. We have brought together some of the most renowned trade support companies - some at discounted rates (or even free) - into one easy to use page just for TradeFlow customers.
New to international trade
Track down suppliers in different countries and find training and advice on tax, risk management and regulatory issues.
Experienced in international trade
Access market research to help you expand into new markets or territories, or read up on the latest news and international trade issues.
TradeFlow is an online system which is simple to use, with no need for special training.
Take a tour
Browse TradeFlow's main features, with a two minute tour.
Minimum technical requirements
A reasonably recent computer with internet access is all that is required. Technically, your computer needs to have:
- At least 512 MB RAM
- 100MB free space on your system drive
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or above
- Microsoft Excel 2000 or later
- Screen resolution 1024 x 768, or higher
- Cookies enabled
- JavaScript enabled
- Pop-ups enabled
Find out more
If you'd like to know more about TradeFlow, please contact your relationship manager. Alternatively, one of our specialists would be happy to talk through it and answer any questions. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does TradeFlow work?
- How much does it cost to use TradeFlow?
- What IT equipment is required?
- Is TradeFlow secure?
- How do I register for TradeFlow?
- I'd like to talk to someone about TradeFlow. Is there a number I can call?
- I have offices in other parts of the UK and abroad. Can they use TradeFlow?
- Can my staff authorise their own work?
How does TradeFlow work?
TradeFlow is accessed via the internet, using a User ID and Password. As soon as you've logged in, you can start to apply for trade finance, such as Letters of Credit, create amendments to existing transactions, receive advice of trade finance in your favour or access world renowned trade support resources to help your business to trade. You and your staff can receive training when you sign up, although it's simple to use without training. There’s also online help available, if you need it.
How much does TradeFlow cost
Access to TradeFlow is free, for you and your staff. The only costs are the charges for the trade finance itself and some of the extra features that we provide, such as refresher training and access to some trade support services. Your relationship manager can provide this information.
What IT equipment is required?
A reasonably recent computer with internet access is all that is required. Technically, your computer needs to have:
- At least 512 MB RAM
- 100MB free space on your system drive
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or above
- Microsoft Excel 2000 or later
- Screen resolution 1024 x 768, or higher
- Cookies enabled
- JavaScript enabled
- Pop-ups enabled
Is TradeFlow secure?
The whole system is protected using powerful encryption technology. If you have any specific questions about the security features on RBS TradeFlow please contact us.
How do I register for TradeFlow?
Download a registration form now 
(PDF 61KB), or ask your relationship manager for one. Once you've completed it and read through our terms and conditions(please enter 'RBSTF' to view), please return it to your relationship manager.
I'd like to talk to someone about TradeFlow. Is there a number I can call?
Call one of our International Banking Centres to speak to someone today. Otherwise, let us know how to reach you and we'll call you back.
I have offices in other parts of the UK and abroad. Can they use TradeFlow, too?
Once we have approved your application, and as long as you have internet access, your User ID and Password, you can use TradeFlow anywhere and at any time. You can allocate your staff with access to the same information, wherever they're located.
Can my staff authorise their own work?
You can control exactly how TradeFlow is used within your business. You can set individual access privileges for each of your employees. Each person uses their personal ID and password to log in, so you can decide who has the authority to view what. The system also lets you set limits on the amount of money that a particular person can sign off. Or you can set it up so that two people need to sign it off, if it's over a certain amount.
Ready to register?
If you're ready to sign up, you can download and complete the registration form (PDF 61KB), or ask your relationship manager for one. Once you've completed it and read through our terms and conditions (please enter 'RBSTF' to view), please return it to your relationship manager for approval and we will then get you set up on TradeFlow. If you don't currently have an RBS account or need to speak with someone about your Trade Finance needs, please contact us.
Find out more
If you'd like to know more about TradeFlow, please contact your relationship manager. Alternatively, one of our specialists would be happy to talk through it and answer any questions. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.
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