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Promissory Notes: Negotiable Instruments Containing Express Terms Regarding Repayment
Question: What is the difference between a demand note and a common promissory note?
Answer: A demand note and a common promissory note are both forms of negotiable instruments defined under the Bills of Exchange Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. B-4. A demand note does not specify a fixed repayment date, allowing the lender to demand payment at any time. In contrast, a common promissory note specifies a repayment date or condition. Both instruments highlight the terms such as interest rates and involved parties. For tailored legal advice on financial instruments, consider consulting Lo Greco Law to safeguard your financial transactions.
Understanding What Constitutes As a Promissory Note and What Is Meant By a Demand Note Versus a Common Note
A promissory note is a written document in which one party (the issuer) makes an unconditional promise to pay a certain amount of money to another party (the payor). Under a promissory note, payment is due at the stated time or upon receiving a request for repayment. A promissory note will include information about any applicable terms, such as the rate of interest, if any, that may be accrued.
The Law
The Bills of Exchange Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. B-4, governs financial instruments such as currency, cheques, among other things, and defines a promissory note as:
176 (1) A promissory note is an unconditional promise in writing made by one person to another person, signed by the maker, engaging to pay, on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time, a sum certain in money to, or to the order of, a specified person or to bearer.
A promissory note is a contract between two parties, the borrower and the lender. A bank note is a type of promissory note issued by a bank or other financial institution. In either circumstance, a promissory note is a written promise to pay a certain amount of money to a specific person or a specific entity at a specific time and under certain conditions. However, unlike a promissory note, a bank note is backed by the assets of a bank and is therefore more secure.
Terms Upon Notes
A promissory note will typically include details of the principal amount due, the applicable interest rate, the parties involved including a "bearer of note" if a party is unspecified, the date of issue, the repayment terms, and the due date.
Payable Upon Demand
Demand notes are promissory notes without a specific due date as such a note becomes due upon demand of payment.
Summary Comment
A promissory note is a legal document that states a promise to pay a certain amount of money. A promissory note may take the form of a cheque, loan agreement, or other document, that serves as proof of an outstanding debt.