Does a promissory note go on your credit report?

Asked by: Mr. Wade Balistreri  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)

Details of a promissory note may or may not show up on your credit reports. If the lender that issues the loan is able to report the borrower's payment history to credit reporting agencies―Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—this activity generally will show up on the borrower's credit reports.

Do promissory notes affect credit score?

Defaulting on a promissory note can lead to penalties, including legal action and damage to the borrower's credit score. If secured, lenders can seize the collateral outlined in the agreement.

Does a promissory note go on your record?

The note includes the loan terms, like the interest rate (fixed or adjustable), the late charge amount, the amount of the loan, and the term (number of years). A promissory note isn't recorded in the county land records.

Do you have to report a promissory note?

Specifically, the interest income received from a promissory note is taxable and should be reported, whereas the principal amount usually does not have tax implications unless the note is forgiven or canceled.

Can a promissory note go to collections?

An unsecured promissory note doesn't involve collateral. In this case, if the borrower doesn't repay the loan, the lender can try to use standard debt-collection procedures.

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What happens if you don'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.

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.

Does a promissory note count as income?

The income generated by a Promissory Note, namely the interest collected on the borrowed amount, is taxable income for IRS purposes. The income is the interest earned by the lender on the Promissory Note for the tax year in question.

Will a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.

What is a note loan on a credit report?

Key Takeaways. A loan note is a type of promissory agreement that outlines the legal obligations of the lender and the borrower. A loan note is a legally binding agreement that includes all the terms of the loan, such as the payment schedule, due date, principal amount, interest rate, and any prepayment penalties.

Can you buy a house with a promissory note?

Promissory notes are ideal for individuals who do not qualify for traditional mortgages because they allow them to purchase a home by using the seller as the source of the loan and the purchased home as the source of the collateral.

Is a promissory note considered debt?

A promissory note is a form of debt that companies and individuals sometimes use, like loans, to raise money. The issuer, through the notes, promises to return the buyer's funds (principal) and to make fixed interest payments to the buyer in exchange for borrowing the money.

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.

Does a promissory note show up on a credit report?

Details of a promissory note may or may not show up on your credit reports. If the lender that issues the loan is able to report the borrower's payment history to credit reporting agencies―Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—this activity generally will show up on the borrower's credit reports.

Does a promissory note get recorded?

Unlike a deed of trust or mortgage, the promissory note is typically not recorded in the county land records (except in a few states like Florida). Instead, the lender holds on to this document until the amount borrowed is repaid.

What makes a promissory note illegal?

A promissory note can become invalid if it excludes A) the total sum of money the borrower owes the lender (aka the amount of the note) or B) the number of payments due and the date each increment is due.

What are the disadvantages of a promissory note?

Disadvantages include:
  • An unsecured note will typically have greater risk than many other investments.
  • If the borrower fails to pay, you will need to file a lawsuit to collect. Collecting on an unsecured promissory note is a two-step process. ...
  • Selling an unsecured promissory note is not as easy as selling a secured note.

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

Depending on state laws and regulations, creditors may be able to garnish wages or seize assets to repay the debt owed under a promissory note. Creditors must typically receive permission from a court before attempting either method.

Is a handwritten promissory note legal?

Promissory notes are quite simple and can be prepared by anyone. They do not need to be prepared by a lawyer or be notarized. It isn't even particularly significant whether a promissory note is handwritten or typed and printed.

Do you have to report promissory note?

Usually, income from a promissory note comes in the form of interest, which is subject to taxation and needs to be reported on your tax return. If you loaned your personal money, make sure to report the generated income on your individual tax return.

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.

Can a promissory note be inherited?

“So the note is an asset of their estate to be distributed in accordance with its terms. Even so, if your parents wanted you to not repay the estate, they should have directed the note be distributed back to you rather than cancel it.”

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.

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 you don't show up to court for credit card debt?

If you ignore your summons, the court is likely to rule in the debt collector's favor and your wages could be garnished until you pay back the amount of money that the court rules you owe.