What is an important characteristic of a promissory note?

Asked by: Alicia Champlin  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

A promissory note must include the date of the loan, the loan amount, the names of both the lender and borrower, the interest rate on the loan, and the timeline for repayment. Once the document is signed by both parties, it becomes a legally binding contract.

What are the characteristics of a promissory note?

a promissory note must be containing an unconditional promise to pay. it must contain a consideration in monetary terms only. the parties must be certain. a promissory note should be payable either on demand or at a certain date.

Which of the following is an essential characteristic of a promissory note?

Features of Promissory Note

Printed/Written Agreement – A promissory should be in writing, and an oral promise to pay money is not accepted. Pay Defined Amount – It is a promise to pay the money on a particular time or when demanded. The mentioned amount can neither be added or subtracted.

What is the importance of the promissory note?

A promissory note is essential in any transaction where money is being lent by a person, bank, company, or other organization to another entity. This document is a contract that protects the lender from the risk of the borrower not paying the full amount agreed to by both parties.

What is the essential element of a 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.

Essential characteristics of a promissory note

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What must a promissory note contain?

A Promissory Note must always be written by hand. It must include all the mandatory elements such as the legal names of the payee and maker's name, amount being loaned / to be repaid, full terms of the agreement and the full amount of liability, beside other elements.

Which of the following best describes a promissory note?

In its essence, a promissory note is like a loan agreement but it's more enforceable and formal. So, out of the options provided, the best description for a promissory note is: it is a legal instrument signed by a borrower that defines a specific payback date and amount for a loan.

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.

What is the objective of 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.

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 happens if a promissory note is not paid?

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 true about 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 the essential of a promise?

(1) A promise is a manifestation of intention to act or refrain from acting in a specified way, so made as to justify a promisee in understanding that a commitment has been made. (2) The person manifesting the intention is the promisor. (3) The person to whom the manifestation is addressed is the promisee.

What are the pros and cons of a promissory note?

Pros of a promissory note include clear loan terms, legal enforceability, and flexibility in structuring agreements. However, cons may include potential strain on personal relationships, complexity in legal language, and the need for proper documentation.

Which of the following is not a essential characteristics of the promissory note?

Acceptance is not an essential requirement of a valid promissory note.

What is the most common example of a promissory note?

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 are the rules for promissory note?

A promissory note must include the date of the loan, the loan amount, the names of both the lender and borrower, the interest rate on the loan, and the timeline for repayment. Once the document is signed by both parties, it becomes a legally binding contract.

Which is not correct about promissory notes?

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.

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 are the problems with promissory notes?

Fraud and investor deception related to promissory notes is significant. Fraudulent promissory note programs often promise very high or guaranteed returns to investors, state that the notes are backed by collateral to guarantee them, or make other appealing but ultimately unfounded claims.

Can you breach a promissory note?

A breach of a promissory note occurs when the borrower fails to fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the promissory note agreement. A promissory note is a legal document that outlines the terms of a loan, including the amount borrowed, the interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any other relevant terms.

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.

Does a 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 to enforce a promissory note?

Enforcing a promissory note involves legal processes. If the borrower defaults, the lender can initiate a lawsuit. Courts typically enforce these agreements by examining the note's terms, such as the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule.

Which of the following statements qualifies a promissory note?

A promissory note is a legal, financial instrument in which one party promises another to pay a debt on a specific date. It's a formal agreement signed by the drawer promising to pay the money on a certain date or whenever it's requested.