What is a Loan Agreement?
A Loan Agreement is a contract between a lender and a borrower that sets out the loan amount, repayment terms, due dates, and each party's obligations. It’s an essential document that creates a legally enforceable record of the loan and its terms.
A Loan Agreement is also known as a:
- Lending agreement
- Lender agreement
- Lending contract
- Loan contract
LawDepot’s Loan Agreement template is available to create a customized agreement for all US states.
Types of Loan Agreements
The type of Loan Agreement you create will reflect the relationship between the lender and borrower. Common types of contracts include:
- Personal Loan Agreements: A contract used between family or friends who want to have clear documentation for avoiding tension when lending money.
- Business Loan Agreements: A contract between a lender and a business (e.g., for a startup or financial assistance) that may include more formal terms like collateral.
Our Loan Agreement template allows you to create a contract for both business and personal loans to fit your unique needs.
Loan Agreements vs. Promissory Notes
A Loan Agreement is ideal for complex or high-value loans (e.g., larger sums being lent), where a Promissory Note is more suitable for simpler, low-risk lending (e.g., a small, short-term loan to a trusted family member).
Here is a comparison of the two:
Loan Agreements vs. Mortgages
A Loan Agreement is a broader contract for borrowing money (e.g., for a business, a vehicle, or school).
A Mortgage Agreement is a specific type of contract used for purchasing real estate, with the property serving as collateral. This means the lender can take possession of the property if the borrower defaults on the payments.
When to use a Loan Agreement
Use a Loan Agreement whenever you lend or borrow money to define the terms and clearly protect all parties. Instances to use an agreement include:
- Personal lending between family or friends to help with debts or bills.
- Business transactions, such as securing capital for a startup.
- Financing a large purchase such as a vehicle, boat, or piece of furniture.
- Borrowing for a down payment on real estate.
- Student loans for tuition or other education expenses.
Benefits of using a written Loan Agreement
Having a Loan Agreement in writing protects lenders by legally enforcing the borrower’s obligation to repay the loan in regular payments or lump sums. Other benefits include:
- Creating clarity to prevent misunderstandings by outlining essential terms and payment schedules.
- Providing evidence and documentation as proof of the loan for legal or tax purposes.
- Protecting relationships by setting clear expectations, helping preserve personal or professional relationships.
What’s included in a Loan Agreement?
Key components to create a valid Loan Agreement include:
- Lender and borrower details
- Loan amount, date, and purpose
- Interest rate, if applicable
- Repayment method and schedule
- Fees and penalties for late or missed payments
- Which state’s laws will apply to the agreement (governing law)
- Any collateral, if applicable
You can include additional details, such as adding a co-signer to provide additional security. LawDepot’s template also includes standard legal provisions, such as acceleration and severability clauses, to provide crucial protection.
How to write a Loan Agreement
Use LawDepot’s Loan Agreement template to have a downloadable PDF that you can save and print for your loan. Simply select if you are lending or borrowing money, and complete the following steps:
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- Choose the purpose of your loan (e.g., business, debts, bills, real estate, or a vehicle).
- Select where you live so your contract complies with state laws.
- Add the loan details (i.e., amount, interest, and date).
- Outline the payment terms (i.e., how the loan will be paid, how often, and the first payment date).
- Determine a payment schedule, and if early payments or lump sums are allowed.
- Specify any penalties for late payments, if applicable.
- Give both parties’ details (i.e., name and address).
- Name a co-signer or add any collateral that may apply.
- Add a space for a witness signature, if applicable.
Mistakes to avoid when making a Loan Agreement
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a Loan Agreement include:
- Using vague terms and language
- Missing interest details that may be essential for tax purposes
- Using unfair interest or terms that may be deemed “predatory”
- Missing signatures from one or both parties
Our template will prompt you only to include the necessary information to create a valid contract for your loan.
Loan Agreement FAQs