How do I write a promissory note for money owed?

Asked by: Colby Friesen  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 5/5 (32 votes)

A comprehensive promissory note typically includes:
  1. Names and contact information of the parties involved.
  2. Loan amount.
  3. Repayment terms.
  4. Interest rate (if applicable)
  5. Consequences of default (in case payments are missed)
  6. Governing law.
  7. Signatures of the borrower and lender.

What are some examples of promissory notes?

A simple promissory note might be for a lump sum repayment on a certain date. For example, let's say you lend your friend $1,000 and he agrees to repay you by December 1st. The full amount is due on that date, and there is no payment schedule involved.

What is an example of a promise to pay?

I, [Borrower's Name], residing at [Borrower's Address], hereby promise to pay [Lender's Name], residing at [Lender's Address], the sum of $[Amount] with an interest rate of [Interest Rate]% per annum.

How do I write a written agreement for money owed?

State what each side agrees to do. Clearly write out the terms of the loan. Include information about the date of the loan, the payment terms, interest, schedule of payments, late charges, default, and any other details in the agreement. Explain that the contract represents the entire agreement.

Can I draft my own promissory note?

You can use a template or create a promissory note online. But before you begin, you'll need to gather some information and make decisions about the way the loan will be structured. First, you'll need the names and addresses of both the lender (or "payee") and the borrower.

How To Write Your Own Promissory Note For Bank Acceptance

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How to write a simple promissory note?

But what exactly do you need to write a promissory note? Include their full legal names, addresses, and contact numbers—include any co-signers if applicable. The terms of this note should specify the amount borrowed, repayment terms (including interest rate, if applicable), and the due date or schedule of payments.

Does a personal promissory note need to be notarized?

Promissory notes don't have to be notarized in most cases. You can typically sign a legally binding promissory note that contains unconditional pledges to pay a certain sum of money. However, you can strengthen the legality of a valid promissory note by having it notarized.

How do you write a legal letter to someone who owes you money?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  1. Type your letter. ...
  2. Concisely review the main facts. ...
  3. Be polite. ...
  4. Write with your goal in mind. ...
  5. Ask for exactly what you want. ...
  6. Set a deadline. ...
  7. End the letter by stating you will promptly pursue legal remedies if the other party does not meet your demand.
  8. Make and keep copies.

How to write a simple IOU note?

What to include in a promissory note:
  1. Names and addresses of both parties.
  2. Amount of money borrowed (principal amount)
  3. Amount to be repaid (principal and interest)
  4. When and how often payments will be made (payment schedule, or “due dates”)
  5. Interest rate and repayment specifics.

How to make a contract for someone to pay you back?

If you are creating a lump-sum payment provision with interest, use this language: "In return for a loan Borrower has received from Lender, Borrower promises to pay to Lender the amount of $[loan amount - principal], plus interest on unpaid principal at the rate of [interest rate]% per year from the date this note is ...

What is a simple promise to pay agreement?

A “Promise to Pay Agreement,” also known as a promissory note, is a financial instrument that contains a written promise by one party (the promisor or maker) to pay another party (the promisee or payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

What is an example sentence for make a promise?

A promise is something that you say you will definitely do:
  • I'll be here for your birthday. ...
  • Beth made a promise to Owen that she would look after his dog whenever he was away. ...
  • I promise I'll buy you another one.
  • I promise never to tell him.
  • The builder promised that he would be here on Tuesday.
  • I'll always remember you.

What is a written promise to pay an amount of money?

A promissory note is a financial instrument that contains a written and signed promise between two parties to repay a sum of money in exchange for a loan or other financing.

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.

What is a agreement to pay back money owed?

A repayment agreement is a legally binding contract between two parties, outlining the terms and conditions for the repayment of a loan or debt. This type of agreement specifies the amount borrowed, the interest rate (if any), the repayment schedule, and any other relevant terms.

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.

How to write a promissory note for money owed?

A personal loan promissory note should include:
  1. Principal Amount: The original sum of money loaned.
  2. Interest Rate: The rate at which interest will be charged.
  3. Repayment Schedule: Detailed plan of how and when payments will be made.
  4. Due Date: The final date by which the loan must be repaid.

What is the legal document when someone owes you money?

This is called a Demand Letter. This is a step you must take before filing a small claims court case. If you ask for the money and the other side pays you, you won't need to go to court.

How to make an I owe you legal?

Generally, a promissory note should include:
  1. The legal names, addresses and phone numbers for each person or company involved.
  2. The amount of the loan.
  3. When the loan has to be paid back. ...
  4. If you are charging interest, put down the amount of interest on the loan.

How do you get someone who owes you money to pay?

You can:
  1. File a civil case to get your money or property back. The court that hears the case will depend on the amount involved. ...
  2. File a civil case in rent court. ...
  3. File criminal charges. ...
  4. Once a court rules in your favor, you will have a judgment stating that the other person owes you money.

What not to say in a demand letter?

Don't Be Threatening

While the dispute of payment may have become personal, a demand letter is meant to encourage a desirable resolution. The use of threatening or insulting language may embolden the owner into not paying when they otherwise would have. And remember, a judge may one day look at this letter in court.

How to write a letter chasing payment?

Writing a warning letter chasing late payment
  1. Your company name and address.
  2. Your customer's name and address.
  3. Invoice number.
  4. Total amount owed.
  5. Payment date and days overdue.
  6. Explain that payment terms have been breached.
  7. Payment details.
  8. Your contact information.

Does a notarized letter have to be handwritten?

Yes, you may notarize a signature on a document that includes handwritten paragraphs. A document can be typed or handwritten. If the notarial certificate under the signature is not included, be sure to attach a loose certificate chosen by your customer.

Does an IOU hold up in court?

An IOU is a legal document that can be introduced in a court of law—though whether or not it is binding is open to dispute. Some authorities feel an IOU isn't binding at all; it's merely the acknowledgement that a debt exists. Others feel it is binding, though whether it can actually be enforced is a different story.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

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.