Can you negotiate a promissory note?

Asked by: Prof. Wallace Okuneva  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (18 votes)

As the payer of such a note, it's important to know that, unless a note expressly stipulates that it is not negotiable, promissory notes are negotiable instruments that can be transferred or assigned by the original payee to a third party.

How legally binding is a promissory note?

Promissory notes are legally binding whether the note is secured by collateral or based only on the promise of repayment. If you lend money to someone who defaults on a promissory note and does not repay, you can legally possess any property that individual promised as collateral.

What happens if you can't pay a promissory note?

If the borrower does not repay you, your legal recourse could include repossessing any collateral the borrower put up against the note, sending the debt to a collection agency, selling the promissory note (so someone else can try to collect it), or filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

How do you know if a promissory note is negotiable?

In order for a note to be negotiable it must meet the following requirements 1) signed writing; 2) unconditional promise or order to pay; 3) a fixed amount of money; 4) at a definite time or upon demand; 5) to order or to bear (words of negotiability); 7) the instrument cannot contain any extraneous undertakings; 8) ...

What makes a promissory note non-negotiable?

Non-negotiable promissory notes lack one or more of the UCC's criteria for negotiability. These notes cannot be easily transferred or enforced by new holders, limiting their flexibility. Non-negotiable notes are often used in private loans or agreements where the transferability of the note is not a concern.

I promise to pay the bearer on demand ...

15 related questions found

Can I negotiate a promissory note?

As the payer of such a note, it's important to know that, unless a note expressly stipulates that it is not negotiable, promissory notes are negotiable instruments that can be transferred or assigned by the original payee to a third party.

What voids a promissory note?

A promissory note could become invalid if: It isn't signed by both parties. The note violates laws. One party tries to change the terms of the agreement without notifying the other party.

What must a promissory note contain to make it negotiable?

A note is a negotiable instrument under UCC § 3-104(a) if it contains (1) an unconditional promise to pay a fixed amount of money on demand or at a fixed time, (2) no additional obligations of the maker other than payment, (3) contractual terms within the note itself rather than in any additional document and (4) an ...

What is the fair value of a promissory note?

In this instance, the fair market value of a promissory note is calculated as the present value of the future principal and interest payment of the note using a market rate of interest-based on the risk of the note.

Can you fight a promissory note?

There are summary proceedings you can use to win a judgment if you have a valid promissory note and your client does not pay as per the agreed-upon terms. A promissory note is breached when payment due, or properly demanded as per the terms of the note, is not received.

Can you go to jail for a promissory note?

Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.

How do I get out of paying a promissory note?

The debt owed on a promissory note either can be paid off, or the noteholder can forgive the debt even if it has not been fully paid. In either case, a release of promissory note needs to be signed by the noteholder.

What happens if the maker of a promissory note fails to pay?

If the maker fails to pay according to the terms of the promissory note, the holder can foreclose on the property that secured the note, thereby recovering the unpaid principal of the note, interest, fees and expenses. An unsecured promissory note is one that is not secured by any collateral.

Will a notarized promissory note hold up in court?

Notarization provides added legitimacy and security, making enforcing the promissory note in court easier. It also helps verify the authenticity of signatures, reducing the risk of disputes.

Do I need a lawyer for a promissory note?

While a lawyer isn't mandatory for drafting a promissory note, it is a good idea to seek legal advice if you plan on lending or borrowing money.

What if someone defaults on a promissory note?

Secured Promissory Notes

If a borrower defaults on a secured promissory note, the lender has the legal right to seize the designated collateral to recoup their losses.

What are the cons of a promissory note?

Cons of a promissory note
  • Limited legal recourse: While a promissory note is a legal document, enforcing repayment can be challenging if the borrower defaults. ...
  • Interest costs: If the promissory note includes interest terms, the borrower will incur additional costs.

How to value privately held promissory notes?

The task of a business appraiser when valuing a privately held note is twofold. First, they must determine a market rate of interest based on the risk of the note and, second, they must calculate the present value of the future principal and interest payments of the note using its expected amortization.

What is the promissory rule?

A "Promissory note" is an instrument in writing (not being a bank-note or a currency-note) containing an unconditional undertaking, signed by the maker, to pay a certain sum of money only to, or to the order of, a certain person, or to the bearer of the instrument.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

Some common triggers that can invalidate and cause problems in a promissory note are: missing the payment schedule or interest rate, loss of the original copy of the document, and others. When a promissory note becomes invalid the lender cannot sue the borrower legally if they fail to make payments.

What is primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

What makes a promissory note void?

Changes Made without a New Agreement

Modifying a promissory note without all parties' consent can void the note. Proper documentation and agreement through a new contract or amendment are necessary to maintain the note's validity.

Can you sue someone for promissory note?

An unsecured promissory note does not use collateral. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender's only means of enforcement is by filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

How do I get out of a promissory note?

To end an agreement made through a promissory note after the borrower has paid back the loan, you can use a release of promissory note form. It marks the deal as completed and helps tie up any loose ends.

Which is false regarding a promissory note?

Answer and Explanation: The correct option is c: The incorrect statement is a promissory note is not a negotiable instrument. A promissory note is a promise made by the maker of the note to pay to the payee on a specific date or when demanded by the payee. These instruments are transferred and used as cash.