What is the difference between a loan note and a loan agreement?

Asked by: Prof. Demond Oberbrunner  |  Last update: January 30, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (20 votes)

Key takeaways 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.

Is a loan note the same as a loan agreement?

A promissory note is usually shorter and less formal than a loan agreement, as it only outlines the repayment terms while ignoring many specific contractual terms. You'll likely issue a promissory note to a borrower if you lend money to a family member or investor for real estate purposes.

Which is better, a promissory note or a loan agreement?

Promissory notes are less detailed than loan agreements and typically used for smaller sums of money and shorter terms. They are a good choice if you are lending money to family and friends where there is a level of trust between the parties.

What is another name for a loan agreement?

A loan agreement may be called a number of different things, including a loan contract, a credit agreement, a financing agreement, and in some cases, a promissory note.

What is a loan note?

A loan note is a type of financial instrument; it is a contract for a loan that specifies when the loan must be repaid and usually also the interest payable. It is similar to a promissory note but the differences can be significant in terms of consequences, especially tax consequences.

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40 related questions found

What is the difference between a bond and a loan note?

Loan notes are different to bonds and it is down to the pecking order on a winding up. Loans to the company form the banks will be secured on all the assets with a floating charge. Bonds will be secured on certain assets with a fixed charge. Loan notes may or may not be secured.

How to create a loan 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.

Are loan agreements legally binding?

A personal loan agreement is a legally binding contract that defines the expectations for both a borrower and a lender. It can be drawn up with an official lender, like a bank or credit union, or used in a more informal situation, such as with a friend who's lending you an amount of money.

Who writes a loan agreement?

Lenders are typically responsible for drawing up a loan contract to detail the commitments of a loan agreement with borrowers, from how funds will be used to exactly how and when they will be repaid.

Does a loan agreement mean approval?

Does a Loan Agreement Mean Approval? No, entering into a valid loan agreement does not necessarily mean that you are approved for the loan.

Can you have a promissory note without a loan agreement?

Promissory notes can be issued as standalone documents that contain all essential loan terms, or as short-form documents that refer to an underlying loan or credit agreement, which contains the terms of the transaction.

Does a loan agreement have to be signed by both parties?

Finally, the contract for loaning money must be signed by the borrower and the lender in order to be made legally binding. 💡 Quick Tip: Swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest loan, and save money on your monthly payments. Find out why credit card consolidation loans are so popular.

Is a promissory note a loan contract or agreement?

A promissory note agreement is a written promise from a borrower to repay a specific sum of money to a lender. These agreements outline the loan terms, including the repayment terms and the consequences of late payment.

Who issues loan notes?

Loan notes can be issued by corporate entities as well as individuals for a number of different purposes.

How enforceable is a promissory note?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

Is a loan notes or accounts payable?

Accounts payable and notes payable defined

Accounts payable refers to short-term liability accounts incurred for purchases with vendors and suppliers on credit. Notes payable are long-term liability accounts incurred through financing by banks and other lending institutions.

Can I write my own loan agreement?

If you're lending to or borrowing from friends and family, you might need to write your own personal loan agreement. If there's only a small amount of money involved, a simple promissory note might be sufficient. However, in some cases, you may need a more complicated contract.

What is a loan agreement also known as?

A loan agreement (also known as a lending agreement) is a contract between a borrower and a lender which regulates the mutual promises made by each party.

Does a loan agreement need to be notarized?

Do you need to notarize a Loan Agreement? First and foremost, understand that personal loan agreements fall into the classification of contracts. Technically, you don't have to notarize these documents. But if you want to make this document legally binding, then notarization is the best course of action.

What is the difference between a loan agreement and a 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.

What makes a loan agreement void?

Lack of legal capacity

For a contract to be legally binding, the parties signing the agreement should be of legal capacity. Meaning the individual should be capable of understanding what they are agreeing to. Lack of legal capacity makes a contract null and void.

Can you get out of a loan agreement?

You must notify your lender in writing that you are cancelling the loan contract and exercising your right to rescind. You may use the form provided to you by your lender or a letter. You can't rescind just by calling or visiting the lender.

What is a loan note agreement?

A loan note is a legal agreement between a company and a lender (bank or financial institution). The lender agrees to make a loan to the company, and the company agrees to repay the loan (with interest) by a specified date.

What is a loan note called?

Typically, there are two parties to a promissory note: The promisor, also called the note's maker or issuer, promises to repay the amount borrowed. The promisee or payee is the person who gave the loan.

What is the 8% loan note?

The 8% loan notes are convertible into eight ordinary shares per loan note in seven years' time. If not converted, the loan notes can be redeemed on the same future date at their nominal value of $100. Par Co has a cost of debt of 9% per year. The ordinary shares of Par Co have a nominal value of $1 per share.