Does a promissory note mean you got the loan?

Asked by: Archibald Schneider  |  Last update: October 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (24 votes)

A promissory note is a legally binding document in which the borrower agrees to repay the loan and any accrued interest and fees. The document also explains the terms and conditions of the loan. A signed, valid promissory note must be signed before loan funds can be disbursed.

Does a promissory note guarantee a loan?

A promissory note contains an unconditional promise by the borrower to pay the lender. This commitment is non-negotiable and assures the lender of repayment. The absence of conditions enhances trust and provides legal assurance.

What does it mean to receive a promissory note?

A promissory note is a written promise by one party to make a payment of money at a date in the future. Although potentially issued by financial institutions, other organizations or individuals can use promissory notes to confirm the agreed terms of a loan. In short, a promissory note allows anyone to act as a lender.

Is a loan the same as a promissory note?

A loan agreement is a contract between a borrower and a lender that specifies what each party has agreed to. A promissory note is where one party promises, in writing, to pay a set amount to the other according to their agreement. While they're similar, loan agreements and promissory notes are not the same thing.

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.

How To Use Promissory Notes

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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.

Who holds the promissory note while it's being repaid?

Your lender will keep the original promissory note until your loan is paid off.

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.

Is promissory note a form of money?

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.

Do you need both a loan agreement and a promissory note?

promissory note, you'll see the documents have some significant differences. As a borrower, you should have a loan agreement because of the additional protections it provides. The reason is that a promissory note doesn't bind the lender in any way.

Is a promissory note considered 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.

Does a promissory note create a lien?

While they are very similar, the unsecured promissory note only represents the borrower's promise to pay the full amount plus interest, while a mortgage puts a lien on the real estate that allows the lender to foreclose on it in the case of nonpayment.

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.

Can a lender cancel a promissory note?

Upon Full Repayment: When the borrower has paid the principal and any applicable interest in full, the lender should cancel the note to signify that the borrower has satisfied their obligations.

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 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.

What is the maximum amount on a promissory note?

All Promissory Notes are valid only for a period of 3 years starting from the date of execution, after which they will be invalid. There is no maximum limit in terms of the amount which can be lent or borrowed.

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 is the difference between a promissory note and a loan note?

Although it is legally enforceable, a promissory note is less formal than a loan agreement and is suitable where smaller sums of money are involved.

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 well does a promissory note hold up in court?

A promissory note crafted by an experienced promissory note lawyer has full legal authority. Moreover, it is both legally binding and enforceable. Uncomplicated routine agreements that do not require expert guidance or complicated contracts may benefit from a simple promissory note.

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.

What is a promissory note to borrow money?

A promissory note is a promise from the borrower to repay the lender in full by the due date, based on the repayment plan. That can include any unpaid principal sum, accrued interest, and late payment fees. It protects the rights of both parties, and can be referred back to if there's ever a dispute.

How long is a promissory note valid?

Depending on which state you live in, the statute of limitations with regard to promissory notes can vary from three to 15 years. Once the statute of limitations has ended, a creditor can no longer file a lawsuit related to the unpaid promissory note.

What is the guarantee of a promissory note?

The asset (promissory note) is protected by the collateral (the guarantor's promise to pay, and the ability to sue the guarantor personally for noncompliance with the terms of the promissory note). As with any collateral, a personal guarantee gives the asset more security.