Loan Agreement Template, Free Download 2026
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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.
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
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."
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
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.
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.
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
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").
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Without the prior written consent of Lender, Borrower shall not: (a) incur additional indebtedness in excess of [$__________] in the aggregate; (b) create, assume, or permit any lien or encumbrance on the Collateral other than Permitted Liens; (c) make any distribution, dividend, or payment to equity holders if an Event of Default exists or would result therefrom; (d) enter into any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all assets; (e) make any material change in the nature of its business or organizational structure.
Events of Default
Each of the following events shall constitute an "Event of Default": (a) failure to pay any amount due hereunder within [____] days after the date when due; (b) breach of any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein that remains uncured for [____] days after written notice; (c) commencement of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or similar proceedings by or against Borrower; (d) entry of a judgment against Borrower in excess of [$__________] 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).
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Feature | Free Template | Custom (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
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?
Is a loan agreement legally binding?
What should be included in a loan agreement?
What is the difference between a loan agreement and a promissory note?
Do personal loans need a written agreement?
Does the US still have usury laws?
Can you manage money without a license?
What happens if a borrower defaults on a loan agreement?
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