What are the basic functions of promissory notes?

Asked by: Jeremie Johnston  |  Last update: August 28, 2025
Score: 5/5 (38 votes)

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.

What are the functions of promissory note?

The promissory note is paper evidence of the debt that the borrower has incurred. It outlines the amount of the loan, the interest rate to be paid, and either the date when it needs to be paid in full or the repayment schedule. “Basically, a promissory note is a promise to pay back money.

What is the basic promissory note?

What is a Promissory Note? A Promissory Note documents the borrower's legally binding promise to repay a loan under certain terms and conditions. Unlike an IOU that only acknowledges a debt amount, a Promissory Note details the consequences of failing to repay a loan.

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 the distinctive feature of a promissory note?

Promissory notes tend to show the exact value of the promise. That is to say, a particular promissory note will have a specific value to which the maker is willing to assume responsibility of the debt. Promissory notes are often times made out to a specific person. This is usually non transferable to third parties.

Promissory Note (Loan Agreement) - EXPLAINED

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What is the essential element of promissory note?

To be considered valid, a promissory note must contain the five essential elements outlined above. These elements include identification of the parties, amount and terms of the loan, promise to pay, date and signatures, and governing law.

What are the rules for promissory note?

The note must clearly mention only the promise of making the repayment and no other conditions. After issuance, a Promissory Note must be stamped according to the regulations of the Indian Stamp Act.

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 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.

Is a notarized promissory note legally binding?

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. It never hurts to add a layer of protection as you may have to use it in court.

What is the obligation of a promissory note?

If more than one person signs this Note, each person is fully and personally obligated to keep all of the promises made in this Note, including the promise to pay the full amount owed. Any person who is a guarantor, surety or endorser of this Note is also obligated to do these things.

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.

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

A lender holds the promissory note until the mortgage loan is paid off.

What are the limitations of promissory note?

The time period for filing a suit for money recovery is 3 years from the date promissory note as per Art 35 of Limitation Act 1963 and as per sec 19 of Limitation Act, the fresh period of limitation must be computed in case of any payment was made or otherwise acknoledged the debt.

Why do you need a promissory note?

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.

What is a legal agreement to pay back money?

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.

What makes a promissory note unenforceable?

Unreasonable terms can invalidate a promissory note. The court determines what's unreasonable, so there's no hard and fast rule. You can avoid it by charging market rate interest and giving the borrower enough time to make a repayment.

Who 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 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.

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.

Who keeps the original promissory note?

The lender keeps the original promissory note until you have fulfilled all obligations, i.e., paid off, your mortgage. A promissory note will generally contain the following information: The total amount of money borrowed; Your interest rate (either fixed or adjustable);

What are the four types of promissory notes?

Following are few types of promissory notes:
  • Secured promissory note: Backed by collateral. ...
  • Unsecured promissory note: No collateral is required. ...
  • Demand promissory note: Repayment upon lender's request.
  • Instalment promissory note: ...
  • Joint and several promissory notes: ...
  • Convertible promissory note:

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.

What happens to a promissory note when the borrower dies?

What happens to a promissory note after the borrower dies? These loans must be repaid by the estate, unless they have been forgiven. If you repay a promissory note during your lifetime, make sure your executor has (or will be able to find) proof of your repayment.

Can a promissory note stand up in court?

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.