Principal and Interest
State principal amount, interest rate, compounding method, calculation period, and any introductory or variable rate adjustments in precise numeric terms.
An Unsecured Promissory Note creates a clear, enforceable record of a debt, sets repayment expectations, and documents interest and default terms. It is faster and less expensive than secured lending because it avoids collateral perfection steps, making it suitable for smaller-dollar loans or quick transactions where parties accept higher creditor risk.
Use clear names, dates, and signature blocks so the parties’ intent to create a binding loan obligation is well documented and defensible in court if necessary.
State principal amount, interest rate, compounding method, calculation period, and any introductory or variable rate adjustments in precise numeric terms.
Detail payment amounts, due dates, grace periods, prepayment rights, and the application order for interest and principal payments.
Specify events that accelerate unpaid balance (missed payments, insolvency) and the lender's rights to declare the entire balance due.
Describe late fees, collection costs, attorney fees, and any permitted setoff or rights to seek judgment without security interest.
Choose the state law that will govern interpretation and disputes; naming a jurisdiction affects venue and remedies under state contract law.
Include waiver language for presentment and demand where desired, and set clear notice addresses and acceptable delivery methods for notices.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email or SMS code; use higher assurance for larger loans |
| Signer Order | Optional: lender first then borrower or simultaneous signing |
| Retention | Enable PDF/A archival and exportable audit trail |
| Notifications | Enable reminders and delivery receipts for proof of notice |
Use platforms that provide an audit trail, configurable authentication, and integrations with Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, or cloud storage for efficient recordkeeping.
Date parties sign and obligations begin
As specified in payment schedule, often 30 days post-execution
Commonly 5–15 days before late fees apply
Often 10–30 days to cure missed payment before acceleration
Interest paid may require Form 1099-INT reporting by due dates
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A VC-backed startup used a short-term unsecured note to bridge payroll needs while awaiting funding
A small real estate investor took a private unsecured loan to secure a purchase under tight timelines