Loan Agreement Template, Free Download 2026

By Jessica Henwick, Editor-in-ChiefLegally reviewed by David Chen, Esq.
Electronic Signature Accepted

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When Do You Need a Loan Agreement?

You are lending money to a family member, friend, or business associate and need a written personal loan agreement form that documents the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule to protect both parties and comply with the Statute of Frauds. A simple loan agreement template keeps the process straightforward.

Your small business is borrowing money from a private investor or another business, and both parties need a complete agreement that outlines the interest rate, amortization schedule, default terms, and remedies to ensure the arrangement is legally enforceable. For simpler arrangements, an unsecured promissory note template may be sufficient.

You need to formalize an existing informal loan by putting the terms in writing. The IRS requires documentation of loans to distinguish them from gifts, and a written loan agreement with a stated interest rate at or above the Applicable Federal Rate prevents adverse tax consequences.

A lender has requested that you sign a loan agreement before disbursing funds, and you want to review a template to understand standard terms such as the secured promissory note provisions, acceleration clause, late payment penalties, and prepayment options before negotiating.

You are structuring a business loan with specific conditions such as milestone-based disbursements, financial reporting requirements, or covenants that restrict the borrower's activities, and you need a detailed agreement framework.

You want to ensure your loan complies with state usury laws by documenting the agreed-upon interest rate and confirming it does not exceed your state's maximum allowable rate. A written agreement demonstrates good faith compliance.

⚠ Common Pitfall: The IRS publishes Applicable Federal Rates (AFR) monthly under IRC § 7872. Private loans with interest rates below the AFR trigger imputed interest rules, causing the IRS to treat the forgone interest as a taxable gift from lender to borrower. Many family lenders overlook this requirement and face unexpected gift tax reporting obligations as a result.

📌 Enforcement Note: Under the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. Chapter 41), consumer loans require specific disclosures of APR, finance charges, and total payments. Private lenders who regularly make loans may also need to obtain a state lending license or face penalties under their state's Department of Financial Institutions regulations.

What Should a Loan Agreement Include?

Party Identification and Loan Amount

Identify the lender and borrower by full legal name and address. State the principal loan amount in both numerals and words. If the borrower is a business entity, include the entity type, state of formation, and the name and title of the authorized signer.

Interest Rate and APR Disclosure

State the interest rate as an annual percentage. Specify whether interest is simple or compound and how it is calculated (daily, monthly, or annual accrual). For consumer loans, the Truth in Lending Act requires disclosure of the APR and total finance charges. Confirm the rate does not exceed your state's usury law limits.

Repayment Terms and Schedule

Define the repayment structure: installment payments (monthly, quarterly, annually), lump-sum payment at maturity, or interest-only payments with a balloon payment. Include the payment due dates, the amount of each payment, and the final maturity date. Attach an amortization schedule if payments include both principal and interest.

Default and Acceleration Provisions

Define what constitutes a default, such as missed payments, breach of covenants, or borrower bankruptcy. Include an acceleration clause that allows the lender to demand the full remaining balance immediately upon default. Specify any cure period the borrower has to remedy the default before acceleration takes effect.

Late Payment and Prepayment Terms

State the late payment fee amount or percentage and the grace period after which it applies. Specify whether the borrower may prepay the loan in full or in part without penalty. Some loan agreements include a prepayment penalty to compensate the lender for lost interest income.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Specify the state law that governs the agreement and the jurisdiction for any legal proceedings. Include a dispute resolution clause specifying whether disputes will be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. An attorney fee provision can deter frivolous disputes by requiring the losing party to pay the prevailing party's legal costs.

Signatures and Date

Both the lender and borrower must sign and date the agreement. If a business entity is a party, the authorized representative signs on behalf of the entity and states their title. Loan agreements can generally be signed electronically under the ESIGN Act, but some lenders prefer wet ink signatures for the original document.

Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Loan Agreement

Parties and Recitals
1.1

This Loan Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [____________] (the "Effective Date") by and between [____________] (the "Lender"), a [individual/entity organized under the laws of the State of ____________], with a principal address at [____________], and [____________] (the "Borrower"), a [individual/entity organized under the laws of the State of ____________], with a principal address at [____________]. Lender and Borrower are sometimes referred to herein individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

1.2

WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that Lender extend credit to Borrower in the amount and on the terms set forth herein; and WHEREAS, Lender is willing to extend such credit subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows.

Loan Amount and Disbursement
2.1

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Lender agrees to lend to Borrower and Borrower agrees to borrow from Lender the principal sum of [$__________] (the "Loan"). The Loan shall be disbursed to Borrower in a single advance on the Effective Date, or at such other time as mutually agreed upon by the Parties, by wire transfer or check to an account designated by Borrower. Borrower acknowledges that the Loan proceeds are intended for [____________] and shall be used solely for such purpose.

2.2

Lender's obligation to fund the Loan is subject to the satisfaction of all conditions precedent set forth herein, including but not limited to: (a) execution and delivery of this Agreement and all related loan documents; (b) accuracy of Borrower's representations and warranties as of the funding date; (c) no Event of Default or event that with the passage of time would constitute an Event of Default; and (d) delivery of any Collateral and related perfection documents required under Article V.

2.3

The Loan is a term loan and amounts repaid may not be re-borrowed. No additional advances shall be made under this Agreement unless the Parties execute a written amendment authorizing such additional advances and specifying the terms thereof. Any increase in the Loan amount shall require the written consent of both Parties and, if applicable, the grant of additional Collateral security.

Interest
3.1

The outstanding principal balance of the Loan shall bear interest at a rate of [____]% per annum (the "Interest Rate"), calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed, from the date of disbursement until the Loan is repaid in full. Interest shall accrue daily and be compounded [monthly/quarterly/annually]. In no event shall the Interest Rate or any fees charged hereunder, in the aggregate, exceed the maximum rate permitted by the usury laws of the State of [____________] (the "Maximum Lawful Rate").

3.2

Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the outstanding principal and, to the extent permitted by law, all other amounts due hereunder shall bear interest at the Default Rate of [____]% per annum, or the Maximum Lawful Rate, whichever is less. If any interest or charge hereunder is determined by a court to be usurious, Lender shall apply such excess first to accrued interest, then to principal, and shall refund any remaining excess to Borrower. The Parties intend to conform strictly to applicable usury laws.

Repayment Schedule
4.1

Borrower shall repay the Loan in [____] consecutive [monthly/quarterly] installments, each in the amount of [$__________], commencing on [____________] and continuing on the [____] day of each [month/quarter] thereafter, with a final payment of all remaining principal, accrued interest, and other amounts due on [____________] (the "Maturity Date"). Installment payments shall be applied first to fees and Late Charges, then to accrued interest, and then to principal reduction.

4.2

If any scheduled payment date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be due on the immediately following Business Day, with interest continuing to accrue for the additional days. A late charge equal to [____]% of any installment amount not received within [____] days of the due date shall be assessed (the "Late Charge"). Borrower may prepay the Loan in whole or in part at any time without penalty upon [____] days' written notice to Lender.

Collateral
5.1

To secure the prompt payment and performance of all Obligations under this Agreement, Borrower hereby grants to Lender a first-priority security interest in the following property (the "Collateral"): [____________]. The security interest granted herein is governed by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the State of [____________] ("UCC"). Borrower authorizes Lender to file UCC-1 financing statements and any amendments or continuations thereof as necessary to perfect the security interest.

5.2

Borrower shall maintain the Collateral in good condition, free from liens and encumbrances other than the lien created hereby and Permitted Liens. Borrower shall maintain insurance on the Collateral against loss or damage in amounts and with carriers satisfactory to Lender, naming Lender as loss payee. Borrower shall not sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Collateral without Lender's prior written consent, and shall promptly notify Lender of any event that materially diminishes the value of the Collateral.

Representations and Warranties
6.1

Borrower represents and warrants to Lender as of the Effective Date and as of each date on which a payment is made hereunder: (a) Borrower has the legal capacity and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement; (b) this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms; (c) the execution and performance of this Agreement does not conflict with any law, regulation, order, or agreement binding upon Borrower; (d) there is no pending or threatened litigation, arbitration, or governmental investigation that could materially affect Borrower's ability to perform the Obligations.

6.2

Borrower further represents and warrants: (a) all financial statements and information furnished to Lender are true, complete, and accurate in all material respects as of the date provided and fairly present Borrower's financial condition; (b) Borrower is solvent and able to pay debts as they become due; (c) Borrower has filed all required tax returns and paid all taxes due, except those being contested in good faith with adequate reserves; (d) Borrower holds all licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to conduct its business and to own and operate the Collateral.

Covenants
7.1

During the term of this Agreement, Borrower covenants and agrees to: (a) use the Loan proceeds solely for the purposes stated herein; (b) furnish to Lender annual financial statements within [____] days after the end of each fiscal year and such other financial information as Lender may reasonably request; (c) promptly notify Lender of any Event of Default or any event that with the passage of time or giving of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default; (d) maintain all insurance policies required by this Agreement; (e) comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and orders in the conduct of its business.

7.2

Without the prior written consent of Lender, Borrower shall not: (a) incur additional indebtedness in excess of [$__________] in the aggregate; (b) create, assume, or permit any lien or encumbrance on the Collateral other than Permitted Liens; (c) make any distribution, dividend, or payment to equity holders if an Event of Default exists or would result therefrom; (d) enter into any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all assets; (e) make any material change in the nature of its business or organizational structure.

Events of Default
8.1

Each of the following events shall constitute an "Event of Default": (a) failure to pay any amount due hereunder within [____] days after the date when due; (b) breach of any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein that remains uncured for [____] days after written notice; (c) commencement of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or similar proceedings by or against Borrower; (d) entry of a judgment against Borrower in excess of [$__________] that remains undischarged for [____] days; (e) any material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition; (f) any default under any other agreement between Borrower and Lender (cross-default).

8.2

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under clauses (a), (b), (d), (e), or (f) above, Lender may, by written notice to Borrower, declare all Obligations immediately due and payable. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under clause (c), all Obligations shall automatically become immediately due and payable without notice or demand. The exercise of remedies under this Article shall not limit Lender's right to pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity.

Remedies
9.1

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lender shall have all rights and remedies available under this Agreement, the UCC, and applicable law, including: (a) the right to take immediate possession of the Collateral; (b) the right to sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral at public or private sale upon [____] days' prior written notice to Borrower (or such shorter notice as permitted by law); (c) the right to apply the proceeds of any Collateral disposition to the Obligations in such order as Lender determines; (d) the right to pursue a deficiency judgment against Borrower for any amount remaining unpaid after disposition of the Collateral.

9.2

All rights and remedies of Lender under this Agreement are cumulative, may be exercised simultaneously or in any order, and shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights or remedies available at law, in equity, or by statute. Lender's failure or delay in exercising any right shall not constitute a waiver thereof. Borrower shall be liable for all costs and expenses incurred by Lender in enforcing this Agreement, including reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, and collection agency fees.

Governing Law and General Provisions
10.1

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [____________], without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in [____________] County, [____________], and each Party irrevocably submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and waives any defense of inconvenient forum.

10.2

This Agreement, together with all exhibits, schedules, and ancillary documents referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Loan and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, and understandings, whether oral or written. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written instrument signed by both Parties. If any provision hereof is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

10.3

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by certified mail (return receipt requested), nationally recognized overnight courier, or personal delivery to the addresses set forth in Article I, or to such other address as a Party may designate by written notice. Notices shall be deemed received upon the earlier of actual receipt or three (3) Business Days after mailing. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Signature Requirements

Electronic Signature Accepted

Loan agreements are fully valid with electronic signatures under the ESIGN Act and UETA. Both the lender and borrower must sign. Notarization is optional but may be required if the loan is secured by real property.

Related Contracts & Agreements Templates

A loan agreement is often used alongside other contracts & agreements documents. Depending on your situation, you may also need:

How to Fill Out a Loan Agreement

1

Enter Party Information

Fill in the full legal name and address of the lender and borrower. If either party is a business entity, include the entity name, type (LLC, corporation, etc.), and state of formation. Verify spellings and addresses for accuracy.

2

Specify the Loan Amount and Interest Rate

Enter the principal loan amount in numerals and words. Set the annual interest rate and confirm it complies with your state's usury laws. Specify whether interest is simple or compound and the calculation method. If the rate is variable, describe the index and adjustment frequency.

3

Define the Repayment Schedule

Choose the repayment structure and enter the specific terms. For installment loans, state the monthly payment amount, the first payment date, and the final payment date. For balloon loans, specify the interest-only payment amount and the balloon payment date and amount.

4

Set Default and Remedy Provisions

Define each event of default and the cure period (typically 10 to 30 days for payment defaults). Review the acceleration clause to confirm it reflects both parties' agreement. Specify any additional remedies available to the lender, such as the right to collect attorney fees.

5

Add Late Payment and Prepayment Terms

Enter the late fee amount or percentage and the grace period. Decide whether the borrower can prepay without penalty. If a prepayment penalty applies, state the penalty amount or calculation method clearly.

6

Sign and Distribute

Both parties sign and date the printable loan agreement template download. Each party should receive an original signed copy. If the loan is secured, also execute a separate security agreement, prepare a secured promissory note template, and file a UCC-1 financing statement if personal property collateral is involved.

Free Template vs Custom Loan Agreement

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic loan agreement structure
Interest rate and repayment terms
State-specific usury law complianceRates vary by state-
Acceleration and default provisions-
Attorney review and customization-
Printable loan agreement template download (PDF/Word)

Key Facts About Loan Agreement Documents

Statute of Frauds requires loan agreements to be in writing to be enforceable.

Usury laws set maximum interest rates that vary significantly by state.

Loan agreement differs from promissory note because it includes mutual obligations.

Acceleration clause allows lender to demand full balance upon borrower default.

Truth in Lending Act requires disclosure of APR and total finance charges to consumer borrowers.

Key Legal Terms in a Loan Agreement

loan agreementpromissory noteusury lawinterest rateAPRdefaultacceleration clausecollateralUCC Article 3Truth in Lending ActStatute of Fraudsamortization

When a Free Template Is Not Enough

Free templates cover standard situations, but a professionally drafted loan agreement accounts for state-specific requirements, unusual circumstances, and enforceability considerations that generic forms miss. If your situation involves significant assets, complex terms, or potential disputes, request an attorney-drafted loan agreement with a custom quote based on your situation.

Loan Agreement Template FAQ

What is a loan agreement?
A loan agreement is a legally binding contract between a lender and a borrower that documents the terms of a personal loan agreement or business loan, including the principal amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and consequences of default. Unlike a simple promissory note, a loan agreement includes mutual obligations for both parties, such as the lender's obligation to disburse funds and the borrower's obligation to repay according to the stated terms. Loan agreements are governed by state contract law and, for consumer loans, federal regulations such as the Truth in Lending Act.
Is a loan agreement legally binding?
Yes, a loan agreement is legally binding when it contains the essential elements of a contract: offer, acceptance, consideration (the loan amount), and mutual assent to the terms. The Statute of Frauds in most states requires loan agreements to be in writing to be enforceable, particularly for loans above a certain dollar threshold or loans that cannot be repaid within one year. A signed loan agreement can be enforced in court if the borrower defaults, allowing the lender to obtain a judgment for the outstanding balance.
What should be included in a loan agreement?
A complete loan agreement should include the names and addresses of the lender and borrower, the principal loan amount, the interest rate and calculation method, the repayment schedule with specific due dates, late payment penalties, default definitions and cure periods, an acceleration clause, prepayment terms, governing law, and signature blocks. For secured loans, the agreement should reference the collateral and the separate security agreement. For business loans, financial covenants and reporting requirements are also common.
What is the difference between a loan agreement and a promissory note?
A printable promissory note is a one-sided promise by the borrower to repay a debt. It creates an obligation only for the borrower and is classified as a negotiable instrument under UCC Article 3, meaning it can be transferred to third parties. A loan agreement is a bilateral contract that creates obligations for both parties: the lender agrees to provide funds under certain conditions, and the borrower agrees to repay under the stated terms. Loan agreements typically contain more detailed provisions such as covenants, representations, and conditions precedent to disbursement.
Do personal loans need a written agreement?
While oral loan agreements can be enforceable in some situations, a written agreement is strongly recommended for any personal loan. The Statute of Frauds requires a writing for loans that exceed certain amounts or cannot be repaid within one year. Beyond legal enforceability, a written agreement prevents misunderstandings about the interest rate, repayment schedule, and other terms. The IRS also requires documentation to distinguish a bona fide loan from a gift, which has different tax consequences for both parties.
Does the US still have usury laws?
Usury is the practice of charging an illegally high interest rate on a loan. Usury laws are state statutes that set the maximum interest rate a lender can charge. These limits vary significantly by state, ranging from around 6% to over 30% depending on the loan type and borrower. Violating usury laws can result in severe penalties, including voiding the interest entirely, requiring the lender to refund excess interest, or in some states, rendering the entire loan unenforceable. Licensed lenders may be subject to different rate limits than private individuals.
Can you manage money without a license?
Private individuals can generally make occasional personal loans without a lending license. However, if you engage in lending as a regular business, most states require you to obtain a lending license and comply with consumer lending regulations. The threshold for what constitutes "regular" lending varies by state. Federal regulations such as the Truth in Lending Act and state consumer protection laws also impose disclosure and fairness requirements on certain loan transactions. Consult your state's banking department to determine whether your lending activity requires licensure.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a loan agreement?
When a borrower defaults, the lender can invoke the acceleration clause to demand the full remaining balance immediately. If the borrower fails to pay, the lender can file a lawsuit to obtain a court judgment for the outstanding amount, plus interest, late fees, and potentially attorney fees. With a judgment, the lender can pursue collection through wage garnishment, bank account levies, or property liens. For secured loans, the lender can seize and sell the collateral. The default also damages the borrower's credit and may trigger cross-default provisions in other agreements.

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